Vietnam could face electricity shortages from 2027 as power-generation and grid projects fall behind schedule, according to the country's trade ministry, threatening plans for double-digit economic growth. The ministry reported that only 5% of power projects under a national growth plan had gone into operation, with most stalled by issues including investor selection, land procedures, and grid preparation. While supply meets demand this year, rising consumption and project delays risk a 4,200-megawatt capacity shortfall next year and an electricity deficit of about 2.9 billion kilowatt-hours. That gap could widen to roughly 13,900 MW and 61.2 billion kWh by 2030.

Vietnam's push for at least 10% annual economic growth through the decade is straining the power grid, with new factories and infrastructure lifting demand faster than generation capacity can expand. These risks were exposed by blackouts in 2023, when drought reduced hydropower output and forced factory outages in the north.

To avert shortages, the ministry reiterated a proposal to add more coal-fired power capacity as an alternative to liquefied natural gas projects delayed by Middle East supply disruptions. It also backed accelerating renewable energy, particularly solar, proposing installation of about 2,800 MW of capacity at government offices, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings by June.