CO2 Abatement Scenarios for Viet Nam’s Power Sector to 2030
The power sector is a key CO2 emitter in Viet Nam and it is projected to be the most significant by 2030 as in the country’s Updated NDC. This study investigates the options for Viet Nam’s power sector to reduce CO2 emissions based on the priority principle: energy security, affordability, and higher emission reduction. Four scenarios are developed and evaluated. A combination of power balance, hourly economic dispatch, and grid models are used to assess the supply and demand balance and security of supply for a whole year at hourly resolution. Evaluated socioeconomics aspects include the system’s net present cost, the balance of payment, and jobs. Results show that Viet Nam’s power sector could reduce emissions by 49% by 2030 compared to NDC’s BAU when improving energy efficiency measures, phasing out some aging coal power plants, increasing floating solar, onshore and offshore wind capacity, and enhancing the system’s flexibility and grid infrastructure