Quang Tri targets net zero by 2050

A workshop on promoting energy transition in Quang Tri was held on December 27 by the Quang Tri Department of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF - Vietnam).

The event titled “Promoting Energy Transition Toward the Goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2050 in Quảng Trị Province” welcomed representatives from WWF - Vietnam, consultants, university lecturers, and over 30 businesses from the province to discuss the province’s less emission pathway by 2050.

Overview of the workshop on energy transition in Quang Tri held in Dong Ha City on December 27. Photos: Le Minh

The prime minister made the commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 under the Paris Agreement. To advance this pledge, Vietnam entered the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in December 2022, aiming to mobilize $15.5 billion in public and private funding within the next 3-5 years to drive the green transition.

The government has also introduced several policies to promote renewable energy investment and use, including the amended Electricity Law recently passed by the National Assembly. These initiatives underscore Vietnam’s strong resolve to transition toward renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build a low-carbon, sustainable future.

Achieving these national goals requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including central and local governments, policymakers, scientists, and private-sector enterprises. Of which, their contributions to investing in and adopting renewable and clean energy sources are crucial.

Delegates at the workshop.

Quang Tri is well-positioned for renewable energy development, with significant potential in this field. To date, the province has 33 renewable energy plants and 151 rooftop solar power systems in operation, with a total capacity of 1,119.5 MW, including 20 wind power plants contributing 742.2 MW.

Under the Government’s Power Development Plan VIII, Quang Tri is slated to host 12 additional wind power projects, bringing its total wind power capacity to 1,800 MW by 2030. Meanwhile, the 1,500 MW Hai Lang LNG power plant awaits approval for a feasibility study and is expected to begin operations by 2030.

The province has also proposed converting the Hai Lang Thermal Power Plant from coal to gas while maintaining a capacity of 1,500 MW. This transition is pivotal to Quang Tri’s vision of becoming a central energy hub for Vietnam. Such advancements will play a vital role in achieving national objectives, particularly the Net Zero target by 2050.

To support this mission, Quang Tri has enacted and updated several policies addressing climate and energy issues. These include Action Program No. 15-CT/TU, issued on April 27, 2021, to implement Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW from February 11, 2020, which outlines Vietnam’s national energy development strategy to 2030 with a vision to 2045. Additionally, the province’s Action Plan No. 1870/KH-UBND, dated April 28, 2020, sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32% (conditional) compared to the Business-as-Usual (BAU) scenario by 2022.

These measures demonstrate Quang Tri’s strategic vision, timely policy-making, and decisive actions in contributing to national goals for greenhouse gas reduction and fulfilling the Government’s Net Zero commitment.

The workshop provided a platform to review implemented initiatives, propose solutions, and develop a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in localities and businesses.

Participants also exchanged experiences and best practices in energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. The event fostered commitments and collaboration among stakeholders, particularly local authorities, businesses, and organizations, to advance the energy transition and reduce emissions. It also facilitated connections between localities and organizations to work collectively toward achieving climate goals.

Le Minh – Linh Pham