A “lever” for renewable energy development in Dong Nai

Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW, dated August 20, 2025, issued by the Politburo on ensuring national energy security through 2030 with a vision to 2045 (Resolution No. 70), has been described as both a “lodestar” and a “lever” for the development of the energy sector. In particular, the resolution emphasizes the need to increase the share of renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and open up new directions for localities.

Rooftop solar model in an industrial park displayed at the Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City.

As one of the country’s major industrial hubs with potential for developing multiple types of renewable energy, Dong Nai expects to make a breakthrough development in this sector under the guidance of Resolution 70.

A boost from a historic resolution

On August 20, 2025, on behalf of the Politburo, Party General Secretary To Lam signed Resolution No. 70. This is the second resolution on energy security issued by the Politburo in the past five years, and a more comprehensive one, at a time when Vietnam is under dual pressure to ensure energy supply while meeting international commitments on emissions reduction and climate change adaptation.

The resolution sets targets for 2030 including a total power generation capacity of 183–236 GW, with renewable energy accounting for 25–30% of primary energy supply, and a 15–35% reduction in energy-related greenhouse gas emissions compared to the business-as-usual scenario. By 2045, Vietnam aims to firmly secure its energy security, establish a modern, intelligent energy system that is regionally and globally integrated, on par with developed industrial nations.

In particular, the resolution emphasizes a synchronized and diversified energy development approach, giving priority to clean, new, and renewable energy while gradually reducing coal-fired power according to a reasonable roadmap. This is regarded as a “lever” for major industrial provinces like Dong Nai to accelerate the shift toward a green and sustainable growth model.

Dong Nai currently has 57 established industrial parks and is home to more than 2,200 foreign-invested enterprises and tens of thousands of domestic firms, creating massive demand for clean and green energy. The province is also one of the largest electricity consumers in Vietnam, with an expected demand of over 21 billion kWh in 2025, most of which is supplied by conventional power sources. These factors serve as powerful drivers for renewable energy development.

Pham Van Cuong, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said Dong Nai has strong potential in several forms of renewable energy. These include rooftop solar power systems in industrial parks and agricultural farms, hydro-floating solar on reservoirs and hydropower lakes, biomass energy from agricultural by-products, waste-to-energy technologies, and small-to-medium-scale hydropower projects. Resolution No. 70 provides a vital political foundation for Dong Nai to attract investment and scale up green energy projects.

In recent years, many FDI enterprises in the province such as textiles, footwear, and wood processing have installed rooftop solar panels to meet “green” criteria for export to key markets like the EU and the United States. Industrial zones such as Amata, Long Duc, and Nhon Trach 6 are also studying “green industrial park” models aligned with renewable energy, waste recycling, and energy circularity.

The resolution outlines further 2030 goals: the total primary energy supply will reach approximately 150–170 million tons of oil equivalent, total power capacity about 183–236 GW, and total electricity output around 560–624 billion kWh, with renewable energy making up 25–30% of the mix. By 2045, Vietnam will firmly ensure national energy security, develop its energy sector in a synchronized and sustainable way, use natural resources efficiently, along with ensuring environmental protection, greenhouse gas emission reduction and climate change adaptation.

Ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future

Developing renewable energy is not just a strategy for environmental protection and climate change adaptation, it also paves the way for sustainable economic growth. With its advantages as an industrial hub with an international airport, seaports, and border gates, Dong Nai is well-positioned to lead the energy transition. If Dong Nai effectively harnesses the “lever” provided by the new resolution, the province could not only secure its own energy supply, but also become a renewable energy hub for the southeastern region, contributing to the national goals for green, sustainable energy development and emissions reduction.

According to Nguyen Thi Hoang, member of Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee, the province is prioritizing the development of renewable energy sources, especially solar power and waste-to-energy, to meet export-oriented businesses’ growing electricity demand and satisfy their clean energy needs while minimizing environmental impacts. Residents, public offices, hospitals, and schools are encouraged to install rooftop solar panels to increase the proportion of renewables in the overall consumption.

Under Dong Nai’s development orientation, new industrial parks must integrate rooftop solar systems in their design right from the planning stage. The province supports enterprises in accessing green credit packages for renewable energy investment, while also promoting cooperation with major investors in solar, biomass, and waste-to-energy projects.

Despite the fact that Dong Nai already has a “lodestar” and numerous support policies from the central government, the province still faces challenges in realizing its renewable energy goals, particularly in legal procedures and transmission infrastructure. For instance, the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants in Dai Phuoc Commune, designated as key national energy projects and Vietnam’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) project for clean energy transition, are scheduled to begin commercial operations in October and December 2025. However, the supporting transmission lines are still incomplete, making it difficult to operate at full capacity.

Resolution No. 70 marks a turning point for Vietnam’s energy sector. With high electricity demand, a dynamic economy, and strong commitment to sustainable development, Dong Nai is well-positioned to transform its potential and advantages into breakthrough opportunities.

By: Hoang Loc - Translated: Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha