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Phasing out coal power in a developing country context: Insights from Vietnam

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  • Do, Thang Nam
  • Burke, Paul J.

Abstract

At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 26th Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in November 2021, Vietnam pledged to phase out unabated coal power by the 2040s or as soon as possible thereafter. Achieving this will require major efforts. This study investigates the drivers for Vietnam's coal power phase-out decision, barriers to Vietnam achieving a successful unabated thermal coal phase out, and potential strategies to achieve the pledge. To this end, a survey of 43 experts from government agencies, research institutions, civil society, and industry was carried out, supplemented by 23 follow-up interviews. The results indicate that ambition to attract international support for green growth initiatives in a context of limited financing options for new coal power projects appears to have been the primary driver for the decision. Key barriers include concerns about electricity shortages and incomplete regulatory frameworks for new clean power options. Recommended strategies include: 1) reforming regulations to facilitate investments in clean energy, electricity transmission, and energy storage; 2) continuing political prioritisation; and 3) building broad-based support from the community and enterprises. Vietnam's case is relevant to other developing countries and beyond.

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  • Do, Thang Nam & Burke, Paul J., 2023. "Phasing out coal power in a developing country context: Insights from Vietnam," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:176:y:2023:i:c:s0301421523000976
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2023.113512
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    2. Thang Nam Do, 2024. "Insider perspectives on Southeast Asiaʼs clean energy transition," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 11(2), May.
    3. Minh Ha-Duong, 2023. "Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Partnership: a background report," CIRED Working Papers hal-04094268, HAL.
    4. Inessa Sytnik & Artem Stopochkin, 2023. "Methodology for Assessing the Level of Electricity Self-Sufficiency in European Union Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-20, September.

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