VCI Legal – July 11, 2026

The Government’s Decree No. 272/2026/ND-CP is expected to remove institutional bottlenecks and establish a legal foundation for expediting the implementation of key energy projects.

On the afternoon of 8 July, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) convened a conference to disseminate and provide guidance on the implementation of Government Decree No. 272/2026/ND-CP, which details the implementation of the National Assembly’s Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 on mechanisms and policies for national energy development during the 2026–2030 period. The conference was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual participation, and was chaired by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long.

Addressing the conference, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long stated that Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 was developed in line with the Politburo’s orientation on ensuring national energy security, with the objective of removing institutional constraints and facilitating investment in energy projects in the coming period.

According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long, the Government’s issuance of Decree No. 272/2026/ND-CP immediately following the National Assembly’s adoption of Resolution No. 253 demonstrates its determination to swiftly translate policy into practice, thereby addressing implementation challenges faced by local authorities, state-owned groups, and corporations.

He further noted that, together with Decree No. 243/2026/ND-CP on rooftop solar power and the direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) mechanism, Decree No. 272 further strengthens the legal framework for accelerating investment in power generation and transmission infrastructure, thereby contributing to the national objective of achieving double-digit economic growth in the coming years.

During the conference, representatives of the Electricity Authority introduced the key provisions of Decree No. 272, including regulations on the adjustment and updating of power development planning, procedures for investor selection, and several new mechanisms designed to address obstacles encountered during project implementation.

Participants agreed that the promulgation of Decree No. 272 was both necessary and timely, providing a legal basis for local authorities and businesses to accelerate investment preparation, shorten project implementation timelines, and enhance the security of electricity supply in support of socio-economic development.

In addition to addressing matters within its authority, the Ministry of Industry and Trade also received numerous recommendations from local authorities and enterprises to further refine implementation guidance during the enforcement process.

Concluding the conference, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long emphasized that the effectiveness of the new mechanisms would depend on coordinated implementation among ministries, sectors, local authorities, and the business community. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to provide guidance, support, and coordination in resolving implementation issues, thereby facilitating the timely delivery of key energy projects.

Regarding offshore wind power, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long observed that the sector remains at an early stage of development and therefore requires an approach that is both proactive and prudent. Following the entry into force of Decree No. 272, he emphasized the importance of promptly selecting investors for the first offshore wind projects to establish a foundation for subsequent large-scale developments.

According to the Deputy Minister, the objective of offshore wind development extends beyond increasing electricity generation capacity. It also aims to foster supporting industries and service supply chains, create employment opportunities, strengthen domestic industrial capabilities, and gradually position Vietnam as a regional hub for the offshore wind industry and related services.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long further noted that Vietnam possesses substantial offshore wind potential. Coupled with technological advancements, this resource could not only satisfy domestic electricity demand but also create opportunities for exporting green electricity and developing the green hydrogen industry in the future.

Decree No. 272/2026/ND-CP also introduces a number of new provisions governing offshore wind resource surveys and investment activities. These include more stringent requirements relating to investors’ financial capacity, minimum equity capital ratios, ownership contribution ratios, and mechanisms for the allocation and reimbursement of survey costs. These measures are expected to improve the quality of investor selection, discourage speculative or unfeasible project registrations, and establish a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s offshore wind sector in the next phase.

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