Decision 893/QD-TTg 2023 National Energy Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period

DECISION

Approving the National Energy Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050

_________

THE PRIME MINISTER

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated June 19, 2015; Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Organization of the Government and the Law on Organization of Local Administration dated November 22, 2019;

Pursuant to the Law on Planning dated November 24, 2017;

Pursuant to the Resolution No. 61/2022/QH15 dated June 16, 2022 of the National Assembly on continuing to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of planning policies and laws and a number of solutions to tackle difficulties and obstacles in, accelerate the progress of formulation and improve the quality of master plans in the 2021-2030 period;

Pursuant to Resolution No. 81/2023/QH15 dated January 09, 2023 of the National Assembly on the National Overall Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050;

Pursuant to Decree No. 37/2019/ND-CP dated May 7, 2019 of the Government detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Planning;

Pursuant to Report No. 4225/TTr-BCT dated July 3, 2023 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade on approval of the National Energy Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050; opinions of ministries, sectors and localities on the National Energy Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050.

HEREBY DECIDES:

Article 1. The National Energy Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050 (referred to as the National Energy Master Plan for short) is hereby approved and contains the main contents as follows:

              I. SCOPE OF THE MASTER PLAN

The National Energy Master Plan covers the sub-sectors: oil and gas, coal, electricity, new and renewable energy with tasks of basic investigation, prospecting, extraction, production, storage, distribution, use and relefvant others.

              II. VIEWPOINTS AND OBJECTIVES OF DEVELOPMENT

1. Viewpoints of development

a) Energy plays a pivotal and indispensable role in the socio-economic development. Energy development must take precedence as the preliminary step to ensure robust national energy security and propel the rapid and sustainable progress of the country, while fostering an independent and self-reliant economic landscape, enhancing the well-being of the populace, and safeguarding national defense and security. The national energy master plan must encompass a far-sighted, efficient, and sustainable approach that prioritizes the paramount interests of the nation and its citizens above all else.

b) The national energy master plan must guarantee the principles of continuity, objectivity, scientificity, and comprehensive optimization concerning the extraction, production, distribution, and utilization of energy in a cost-efficient and effective manner which aligns seamlessly with the spatial and comparative advantages of different regions and localities.

c) The national energy master plan should demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to prevailing contexts and the dynamic global energy transformation. Domestic energy resources shall be effectively harnessed and utilized in line with reasonable import and export practices. The energy development must go hand in hand with the preservation of resources, environmental protection, and ecological sustainability. Development of renewable and new energy shall be considered an opportunity to establish a comprehensive energy industry ecosystem.

d) The State should channel focused investments and incentivize various economic sectors to develop sustainable energy practices in alignment with principles of fair competition and implement market mechanisms across different types of energy, thereby striking a harmonious balance of interests among all stakeholders, including investors and energy consumers, while simultaneously addressing the unique development needs of distinct regions and localities.

dd) The energy development must closely follow scientific and technological advancement trends in the world, particularly those related to renewable and new energy and non-energy products, and be in conjunction with the country's economic model transformation towards green growth, green economy, circular economy, and low-carbon economy. A comprehensive development of various energy forms should be undertaken in a coordinated and rational manner, adhering to the predetermined roadmap and commitments of Vietnam in the pursuit of a sustainable, equitable, and just energy transition.

 2. Objectives of development

a) Overall objectives

- To ensure the country's energy security, satisfy the requirements of economic and social development, industrialization and modernization, safeguard national defense and security, enhance the well-being of the populace, and protect the ecological environment.

- The successful implementation of energy transition plays an important role in achieving the “net zero emissions” target by 2050. Energy sub-sectors develop harmoniously with synchronous and intelligent infrastructure, reach the regional advanced level, and follow the global scientific and technological development trends.

- Develop an independent and autonomous energy industry, and establish a comprehensive energy industry ecosystem based on renewable and new energy sources, with a goal of becoming a regional center for clean energy industries and renewable energy exports.

b) Specific objectives

- Regarding national energy security enhancement

+ To supply enough energy to meet the domestic demand, to serve the accomplishment of socio-economic development objectives with an average GDP growth rate of approximately 7% per annum during the 2021-2030 period and approximately 6.5 - 7.5% per annum during the 2031-2050 period:

. Total final consumption to reach 107 million tons of oil equivalent by 2030 and 165 - 184 million tons of oil equivalent by 2050.

. Total primary energy supply to reach 155 million tons of oil equivalent by 2030 and 294-311 million tons of oil equivalent by 2050.

+ To rise the total national oil and petroleum reserves (including crude oil and products) to 75-80 days of net imports by 2030. As orientated, consider gradually rising the reserves to 90 days of net imports after 2030.

- Regarding equitable energy transition

+ The share of renewable energy in the total primary energy to be 15-20% by 2030 and approximately 80-85% by 2050.

+ To achieve energy savings of approximately 8-10% by 2030 and approximately 15-20% by 2050 compared to the normal development scenario.

+ The projected greenhouse gas emissions to be approximately 399-449 million tons by 2030 and approximately 101 million tons by 2050. The objective is to cut the emissions by 17-26% by 2030 and about 90% by 2050 compared to the normal development scenario. Towards reaching peak emissions by 2030, provided that commitments under JETP are fully and substantively implemented by international partners.

- Regarding the development of the energy industry

+ To effectively harness and utilize domestic energy resources.

. Production output of crude oil in the 2021 - 2030 period to reach 6.0 - 9.5 million tons per annum. As orientated, to reach 7.0 - 9.0 million tons per annum in the 2031 - 2050 period.

. Production output of natural gas in the 2021 - 2030 period to reach 5.5 - 15 billion cubic meters per annum. As orientated, to reach 10 - 15 billion cubic meters per annum in the 2031 - 2050 period.

. Coal production output in the 2021 - 2030 period to reach approximately 41-47 million tons of commercial coal per annum. As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period, to reach approximately 39 million tons of commercial coal by 2045, and approximately 33 million tons of commercial coal by 2050. To strive to put into operation and conduct production trial of the Song Hong Coal Basin before 2040 and proceed to industrial production before 2050 (if the production trial is successful).

+ To focus on developing the energy industry towards becoming a regional center for clean energy industry and renewable energy export and forming and developing renewable energy centers in advantageous regions and localities:

. To strive to establish and develop a number of centers for clean energy, including energy production and use, renewable energy equipment manufacturing industry, oil and gas processing, construction, installation, and relevant services, in the Northern, South Central, and Southern Regions by 2030 when favorable conditions are available.

. To develop new energy production to meet the demand for domestic consumption and export. To strive to reach the green hydrogen production capacity of approximately 100-200 thousand tons per annum by 2030. As orientated, the green hydrogen production capacity to reach approximately 10-20 million tons per annum by 2050.

              III. PLANNING ORIENTATIONS AND OBJECTIVES FOR ENERGY SUB-SECTORS

1. Oil and gas

a) Oil and gas prospecting, exploration and production

- Oil and gas prospecting and exploration

+ Orientations:

. To enhance the basic investigation, prospecting and exploration of domestic oil and gas resources, aiming to increase oil and gas reserves; to formulate specific policies to encourage large oil companies from countries with global positions to participate in exploration activities in deep-sea, offshore, and sensitive areas in conjunction with safeguarding the national sovereignty over the sea and islands.

. To actively conduct exploration in shallow waters and conventional fields as well as to conduct reconnaissance of new potential prospects, new sedimentary basins, and non-conventional hydrocarbons (tight gas, coalbed methane, shallow gas, shale gas, gas hydrates, etc.) to supplement reserves for long-term extraction.

. With respect to shale gas and gas hydrates (flammable ice), to actively conduct in-depth geological research, and apply advanced scientific and technological methods to expand the survey scope; to promptly carry out comprehensive assessments and accelerate production trails when conditions allows.

. To focus on intensifying the prospecting and exploration in the Cuu Long Basin, Nam Con Son Basin, Malay-Tho Chu Basin, and Song Hong Basin concurrently with conducting enhanced exploration and expanding exploration beyond the conventional subjects to supplement reserves, and expanding and utilizing the existing infrastructure system; to gradually target oil and gas exploration and production assessment towards non-conventional sources. To continue to expand exploration in deep-water and offshore areas, such as the Phu Khanh Basin, Tu Chinh - Vung May Basin, etc.

. To conduct basic investigations and supplement materials for prospecting and exploration in less studied areas and shallow transitional waters while continuing seismic 2D-reflection surveys with denser line spacing; to study and assess the potential of discovered prospects, and drill exploration wells in the most promising prospects in waters with the depth of more than 200 meters and in offshore areas.

. To conduct reprocessing/supplemental 2D/3D seismic data acquisition using new and advanced technologies in order synchronize high-resolution seismic data throughout the entire basin/area; to gradually conduct basic investigations and studies in regions with potential gas hydrates in Nam Con Son and Tu Chinh - Vung May areas, as well as study the non-conventional potentials (such as tight gas, coalbed methane, shallow gas, shale gas, gas hydrates, etc.) in the Song Hong, Cuu Long, and Nam Con Son Basins.

. To continue to conduct surveys and collect seismic - geophysical data at home and abroad to study the geological characteristics and evaluate the potential of oil and gas as well as gas hydrates in Truong Sa - Hoang Sa Basin area when favorable conditions are available.

. To concentrate on exploration in 3 areas: the South of Song Hong Basin, Center of Nam Con Son Basin, and Cuu Long Basin.

. To increase seismic data acquisition and 2D/3D seismic reprocessing, especially in key areas, to increase resources.

+ Specific objectives:

. To conduct an overall assessment of the potential and reserves of oil and gas on the mainland and continental shelf of Vietnam in each 5- to 10-year cycle.

. To increase reserves: In the 2021 - 2030 period: 16 - 22 million tons of oil equivalent per annum, with the reserve-replacement ratio of 0.9 -1.1. As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period: 16 - 27 million tons of oil equivalent per annum, with the reserve-replacement ratio of 0.6 - 1.0.

- Oil and gas production

+ Orientations:

. To well perform field management, optimize and maintain effective production of oil and gas fields that have been put into operation.

. To develop and put oil and gas discoveries into reasonable and effective production for long-term utilization of domestic oil and gas resources, which shall be concentrated in potential areas such as offshore deep-water areas and non-conventional prospects. To develop cooperation plans and joint production mechanisms in overlapping areas.

. To continue to promote research and application of solutions to improve oil recovery at fields.

. To promote production in small/marginal fields by applying new technologies, connecting them with others to make full use of existing infrastructures and incentives of the State.

. To concentrate resources on speeding up the progress of two major gas projects: Block B&48/95 and 52/97 project and Ca Voi Xanh project.

+ Specific objectives:

. Domestic crude oil: production output of crude oil in the 2021 - 2030 period to reach 6 - 9.5 million tons per annum. As orientated, to reach 7.0 - 9.0 million tons per annum in the 2031 - 2050 period.

. Onshore natural gas: production output of gas in the 2021 - 2030 period to reach 5.5 - 15.0 billion cubic meters per annum. As orientated, to reach 10.0 - 15.0 billion cubic meters per annum in the 2031 - 2050 period.

b) Gas industry

- Orientations:

+ To develop a full-fledged and synchronous gas industry in all stages: production - gathering - transmission - processing - storage - distribution of gas and import-export of gas products.

+ To develop the gas consumption market according to the market mechanism regulated by the State and gradually integrated with the regional and world gas market.

+ To safely and effectively operate the existing gas gathering, transmission, treatment and processing pipelines. To continue to optimally extract and maximally gather gas from gas fields with large reserves while increasing the gathering of gas from gas fields with small reserves and marginal fields to ensure maximum gathering of gas resources through existing pipelines at Song Hong, Cuu Long, Nam Con Son and Malay - Tho Chu Basins.

+ To accelerate the implementation of projects on gas field development and gas production and gathering by pipelines, floating CNG stations at fields that do not have gathering systems, and expand the scope of gathering gases (CNG, LNG, etc.) from fields that are not able to gather gas by pipelines (small fields, marginal fields, high CO2 content, etc., especially associated gas fields).

+ To invest in the construction of gas processing plants and transmission pipelines to gas processing plants in order to supply gas to thermal power centers, gas processing plants and industrial consumers.

+ To increase investment in infrastructure, promote and encourage contractors to invest in building offshore gas gathering systems connecting to existing pipelines. To deploy the construction of pipelines to import gas from the fields of neighboring countries, which connect to the existing and future pipelines. To cooperate with domestic and foreign partners to invest in research and application of reasonable technological solutions to recover the gas being burned at the production rigs and extract high-value products such as ethane, propane/butane (LPG), and condensate at gas processing plants to improve the value of oil and gas resources. To build infrastructure to gather and transmit gas from active fields.

+ To deploy the construction of LNG terminals and import natural gas (LNG, CNG) to satisfy the needs of gas for electricity production as well as industrial and civil purposes. To seek gas sources for import from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, etc. by utilizing existing infrastructure, and simultaneously promote international relations to obtain imported gas (LNG, CNG) sources from countries with abundant resources and commercial and transport advantages, and be ready to import LNG by 2023.

+ To improve the synchronous system of supplying natural gas, LNG, CNG, LPG, DME nationwide to meet the fuel demand for energy, fertilizers, industrial production, transportation and civil uses. To continue to develop low-pressure natural gas transmission pipelines for the needs of industrial consumers along the gas pipeline routes and residential areas in metropolises.

+ To concentrate resources on speeding up the progress of  gas industrial projects, including: Thi Vai LNG Terminal project (with a capacity of 1 million tons per annum in Phase 1 expected to be completed by 2023; increase to 3 million tons per annum in Phase 2 expected to be completed after 2025); Son My LNG Terminal project (with a capacity of 3.6 million tons per annum, Phase 1 is expected to be completed in 2026 - 2027); Block B gas project (with a capacity of 6.4 billion cubic meters per annum, expected to be completed by 2027); Ca Voi Xanh gas projects (with a capacity of 7 - 9 billion cubic meters per annum, expected to be completed before 2030).

- Specific objectives:

+ To gather as much as possible associated gas from blocks/fields of Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and oil and gas production contractors in Vietnam.

+ To build infrastructure to ensure the capacity to meet 100% of the demand for raw gas for electricity and other consumers, of which the capacity to import liquefied natural gas will reach approximately 15.7 - 18.2 billion cubic meters by 2030 and approximately 10.6 - 12.2 billion cubic meters by 2050.

+ To develop the gas market to achieve approximately 30.7-33.2 billion cubic meters per annum by 2030. As orientated, to reach approximately 20 - 22 billion cubic meters by 2050.

c) Oil and gas processing

- Orientations:

+ To develop the oil and gas processing sector to meet domestic demand and aim for export objectives. To attract foreign investment and domestic private investment to develop the oil and gas processing sector following the principle of ensuring a harmonious balance of national interests and investors’ benefits.

+ To focus on developing and integrating oil refining with production of petrochemicals and chemicals to increase added value of oil and gas products, create raw materials, fuels and substances to serve the industrial production within the country, aimed at both export and trade deficit reduction.

+ To study the investment in improvement/upgrade to adapt to the changing market trends and increasingly stringent environmental standards (such as oil refineries, etc.). To study investment in developing new petrochemical/special-use chemical products with high added value.

+ To maintain safe, stable and efficient operation of existing petrochemical refineries and condensate processing plants; to diversify products thereof.

+ To capitalize on the geographical location and existing infrastructure to develop integrated deep processing plants, service-providing plants and facilities. To study and invest in building transport - storage - production and trading chains of crude oil/petroleum in existing refineries. To complete the project of upgrading and expanding Dung Quat Oil Refinery, form the national energy and petrochemical refining center in Dung Quat Economic Zone.

+ To study and invest in new petrochemical/chemical projects associated with oil and gas processing centers.

+ To study on hydrogen fuel and renewable energy production: integrated with petrochemical, chemical, and fertilizer refineries, used as fuel for fuel cells, oriented to complete the later-stage hydrogen value chain.

- Specific objectives:

+ Production output of oil and gas products to meet at least 70% of domestic demand.

+ To operate plants safely and stably with designed capacity, while continuing to improve, optimize, diversify products and reduce costs.

d) Transportation, storage and distribution of oil and gas products

- Orientations:

+ To reasonably develop the petroleum distribution system to ensure smooth circulation and stabilize the consumption market, thereby meeting the entire domestic demand for petroleum products.

+ To intensify solutions to increase crude oil and petroleum reserves.

+ To encourage the widespread use of biofuels and new fuels in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect the environment.

- Specific objectives:

+ To rise the total national oil and petroleum reserves (including crude oil and products) to 75-80 days of net imports by 2030, of which: Production reserve: 20 - 25 days of current production; National reserve: 15-20 days of net imports; Commercial reserve: 30-35 days of net imports.

+ To consider gradually rising the reserves to 90 days of net imports after 2030.

2. Coal

a) Coal exploration

- Orientations:

+ To focus on exploration and upgrade existing coal resources of which the reliability shall be ensured for designing production capacity and intensifying exploration of new mines, provided that exploration is the step to be done in advance.

+ To innovate and apply advanced exploration technologies, especially in areas located at great depths with complicated geological conditions; to continue to seek investment research partners to select appropriate technologies and exploration methods to explore the Song Hong Coal Basin.

- Specific objectives:

+ In the 2021 - 2030 period: To complete the exploration schemes in the previous phase and implement new exploration schemes with a volume of approximately 1,071÷1,328 thousand meters drilled in the Dong Bac Coal Basin and approximately 102÷131 thousand meters drilled in inland and local mines. To conduct exploration within the proposed production trial boundaries in the Song Hong Coal Basin.

+ As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period: complete the exploration schemes in the previous phase and implement new exploration schemes with a volume of approximately 773÷943 thousand meters drilled in the Dong Bac Coal Basin and approximately 7÷10 thousand meters drilled in inland and local mines; implement exploration schemes in the Song Hong Coal Basin.

b) Coal production

- Orientations:

+ To focus on developing and maintaining high-output underground mines according to the criteria "Green mines, Modern mines, High-output mines, Safe mines". To develop open-pit mines in a manner that increases the break-even stripping ratio and aligns with technical and economic conditions, and related master plans; to manage waste dumping in a manner that maximizes the utilization of internal landfills.

+ To integrate small-scale mines with suitable geological, geographical, and infrastructural conditions into larger-scale mines with increased production capacity.

+ To increase production output in a sustainable and efficient manner; to safely, economically and efficiently extract coal resources, including the proportion thereof in protection pillars of structures and the remaining loss of coal resources after the end of underground mining.

+ To invest in a number of research projects on production trial in the Song Hong Coal Basin to select a reasonable mining technology.

+ To encourage localities with small coal reserves to invest in the extraction thereof to serve local demand; to focus on extracting peat as fuel and fertilizer to serve the needs of the agriculture and forestry sectors.

+ To study the extraction and utilization of overburden for land reclamation purposes to promote circular economic development and environmental restoration; to study the processing of overburden for use as construction materials to enhance the efficiency of mining and utilization of mining overburden.

+ To intensify the research and application of advanced technologies in coal mining, especially in large coal mines or those located near residential areas, urban areas, coastal areas, etc.

+ To promote activities to seek foreign investment opportunities for coal exploration and mining (the type of coal that Vietnam must import) to ensure efficiency and compliance with the law.

- Specific objectives:

+ In the 2021 - 2030 period: To make efforts to the raw coal (other than peat) output of the whole industry to reach approximately 46-53 million tons per annum, which is equivalent to approximately 41-47 million tons of commercial coal per annum.

+ As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period: production output of raw coal in the whole industry to gradually decrease from 53 million tons by 2030 (equivalent to approximately 47 million tons of commercial coal) to approximately 44 million tons by 2045 (equivalent to approximately 39 million tons of commercial coal) and to approximately 36 million tons of commercial coal by 2050 (equivalent to approximately 33 million tons of commercial coal). To strive to put into operation and conduct production trial of the Song Hong Coal Basin before 2040 and proceed to industrial production before 2050 (if the production trial is successful).

c) Coal screening and processing

- Orientations:

+ To maintain and renovate existing screening plants and coal processing centers in combination with reasonable maintenance of screening clusters of the mines; to continue to invest in building new centralized screening plants in each area to ensure coal processing requirements and market demand.

+ To process domestic coal in combination with imported coal blending in the manner that maximizes coal diversity for electricity production; to diversify products to meet domestic demands in accordance with the market.

+ To promote research and application of science and technology in coal processing (used for metallurgy and coal gasification to produce suitable gas products for the energy and industrial sectors, etc.) to diversify coal-based non-energy products, thereby satisfying the requirements of environmental protection and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

+ To conduct coal screening and processing at locally managed mines in a manner that aligns with consumption demands and project capacities as well as satisfies environmental protection requirements. To build concentrated peat processing facilities using advanced technologies in the manner that prioritizes the processing of quality products for use in the agriculture and forestry sectors and satisfies the environmental protection requirements.

- Specific objectives:

+ In the 2021 - 2030 period:

. To build new centralized coal screening and processing plants and centers in order to improve the coal screening and processing capacity in Uong Bi area by approximately 4.0 - 5.0 million tons per annum compared to that of the present; to build a new coal screening plant with a capacity of approximately 1.5 million tons per annum in Uong Bi area.

. To expand and rise the capacity of concentrated screening in Hon Gai area to approximately 5.0 million tons per annum.

. To strive to reach the average proportion of coal production output put into screening - concentrated processing of approximately 60-65% of the total coal production output.

+ As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period:

. To continue to maintain centralized coal screening and processing plants and centers of which the construction have been invested in; to step up the renovation and technological upgrade to increase the recovery rate of high-quality coal for export when the demand for domestically produced coal decreases.

. To strive to reach the average proportion of coal production output put into screening - concentrated processing of approximately more than 65% of the total coal production output.

d) Coal market and coal import-export

- Orientations:

To export and import coal in accordance with market demands and the Government’ directives, thereby ensuring maximum fulfillment of domestic coal consumption needs, particularly for electricity generation. To take the initiative to actively seek long-term stable sources of imported coal to meet the domestic demand, taking coal reservation into account.

- Specific objectives:

+Regarding the coal market: To gradually establish a coal market with multiple sellers and buyers, diversify the supply channels of coal to meet the consumption needs of households; complete the research on international coal price indices suitable for referencing the prices of coal imported into Vietnam for pilot application, and continue to refine coal price indices for use in imported coal transactions in line with Vietnam's specific conditions, to operate the coal market following the roadmap for developing a competitive energy market as approved by the Prime Minister.

+ Regarding coal import:

. In the 2021 - 2030 period: Vietnam is expected to import coal with an increasing volume and reach approximately 73 million tons by 2030, of which the demand for imported coal of thermal power plants designed/planned to use imported coal is approximately 44 million tons.

. As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period: the volume of imported coal is expected to continue to increase and peak at approximately 85 million tons by 2035 and then gradually decrease to approximately 50 million tons by 2045, of which the demand for imported coal of thermal power plants designed/planned to be fueled by imported coal by 2035 will be approximately 64 million tons and gradually decrease to approximately 34 million tons by 2045. By 2050, Vietnam to cease coal import.

+ Regarding coal export:

. In the 2021 - 2030 period: To export high-quality coal types that are not in demand domestically or are not fully utilized according to the annual directions of the Prime Minister, with an annual export volume of approximately 2.0 - 3.0 million tons.

. As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period: To continue to export high-quality coal types that are not in demand domestically or are not fully utilized according to the annual directions of the Prime Minister until 2035; after 2035, to intensify the processing of high-quality coal types from domestically produced coal sources meeting the demand of the world market for export.

dd) Planning of general premises and external transport

- Orientations:

+ To construct and complete structures on the ground (mining and landfill areas; technical infrastructure structures, environmental protection facilities, etc.) in line with the needs of each coal mining, screening, or processing project; to ensure the requirements in terms of landscape, environment, natural disaster prevention, coal production efficiency, and flexibly meet the needs of land fund development in the future.

+ To establish a transportation system (roads, railways, and conveyor belts) that aligns with the coal production capacity of each area using modern and environment-friendly technologies to ensure economic viability; to integrate coal mines with major consumers in their respective areas in accordance with the master plans on socio-economic development and the master plans on development of infrastructure in urban and coal-producing areas; to enhance the utilization of conveyors, railways, and waterways for coal transportation, while minimizing reliance on road transport to mitigate adverse environmental impacts.

+ To maintain, renovate and upgrade a number of roads in line with the mining expansion and urban development master plans in the area.

+ To invest in maintaining and building new conveyor belts in combination with the existing dedicated railway system to transport raw coal from mines to screening facilities; transport finished coal from screening facilities to regional centralized coal warehouses, thermal power plants and coal export terminals in each coal production stage.

+ To continue to maintain national railways to transport coal (from Mao Khe, Trang Bach, Hong Thai Mines to Pha Lai 1, 2 Thermal Power Plants and partial inland use; from Nui Hong Mine to blending station north of Khanh Hoa Mine) and materials (Mai Pha + Na Duong Railway).

- Specific objectives:

+ In the 2021 - 2030 period:

. Roads: To invest in maintaining approximately 125 km to serve the purpose of production; to renovate and upgrade approximately 112 km.

. Railways: To invest in maintaining, renovating and upgrading the existing Vang Danh, Khe Than - Uong Bi - Dien Cong railways to transport coal, supplies and materials... for the Vang Danh, Nam Mau, Dong Vong mine clusters; to maintain the existing railways in Cam Pha area to transport coal from mines to Cua Ong Coal Screening Plant.

. Conveyor belts: To invest in maintaining conveyor belts with the total length of approximately 46 km; to build a number of new conveyor belts with a total length of approximately 45 km in Uong Bi, Dong Trieu, Hon Gai and Cam Pha.

+ As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period:

. The Dong Bac Coal Basin: To invest in maintaining the roads, railways and conveyor belts built in the previous stages.

. The Song Hong Coal Basin: To build new conveyor belts with a total length of approximately 4.5 km.

e) Planning of coal import and export terminals

- Orientations:

+ To renovate, expand, and build new inland terminals in coal-producing areas to serve the purpose of coal export, import and blending using advanced, modern and environmentally friendly technologies.

+ To study the renovation and expansion of the existing dedicated terminals of consumers in order to make them able to directly import and transship coal for ships of suitable tonnage when the concentrated terminals have not yet been established in the areas.

+ To renovate, expand and build new concentrated terminals in coal-producing areas and for each region (Northern or Southern) in accordance with the Vietnam Seaport Development Master Plan approved by the Prime Minister and other related master plans, of which reasonable terminal type, technical infrastructure, synchronous logistics services, advanced, modern and environmentally friendly technologies shall be employed to serve the purpose of coal export, import and blending, taking into account the ability to properly store coal meeting production requirements, especially for electricity production; to gradually eliminate small wharfs using outdated technologies.

- Specific objectives:

+ Domestic coal terminals:

. In the 2021 - 2030 period: To continue to invest in maintaining, renovating, upgrading and modernizing existing terminals and terminal clusters (Ben Can, Hong Thai Tay, Dien Cong, Lang Khanh, Km 6, Cam Pha, Khe Day, Mong Duong Chemical Terminal) to meet the requirements of importing approximately 16-20 million tons of coal per annum and exporting approximately 45-50 million tons of coal per annum.

. As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period:

The Dong Bac Coal Basin: To invest in the construction of Dong Trieu - Pha Lai Terminal with a capacity of 1.0-2.0 million tons per annum to serve the purpose of coal consumption for Dong Trieu, Chi Linh I and Chi Linh II Mines.

The Song Hong Coal Basin: To invest in new dedicated terminals for coal export at suitable locations, each of which shall has the capacity of approximately 1.0-2.0 million tons per annum and accommodate ships with the tonnage of up to 2,000 tons.

+ Coal import and transshipment terminals:

. In the 2021 - 2030 period:

Northern region (Northern and North Central regions): To invest in the construction of a coal import, transshipment and distribution depot in the Northern region, together with deep-water seaports under the Vietnam Seaport Development Master Plan, to serve power hubs (Cam Pha in Quang Ninh province; Nghi Son in Thanh Hoa province; Son Duong in Ha Tinh province; Quang Trach in Quang Binh province). The depot’s capacity is expected to be approximately 20 - 30 million tons per annum. Potential locations for building such coal import, transshipment and distribution depot include Hon Net (in Quang Ninh province), Quang Trach (in Quang Binh province), etc.

Southern region (South Central and Southern Regions): To invest in the construction of a coal import, transshipment and distribution depot in the Southern region, together with deep-water seaports under the Vietnam Seaport Development Master Plan, to serve power hubs (Van Phong in Khanh Hoa province; Vinh Tan in Binh Thuan province; Duyen Hai in Tra Vinh province, etc.) The depot’s capacity is expected to be approximately 25 - 35 million tons per annum. Potential locations for building such coal import, transshipment and distribution depot in the Southern region include Go Gia (in Ho Chi Minh City), Duyen Hai (in Tra Vinh province), Van Phong (in Khanh Hoa province), etc.

. As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period: To continue to maintain existing key coal import, transshipment and distribution terminals which have been invested in the previous period, together with deep-water seaports invested under the Vietnam Seaport Development Master Plan.

g) Mine closures

- Orientations:

To comply with the applicable laws; to consider selecting appropriate timing and methods for mine closures to ensure comprehensive extraction, save resources, and maximize the efficiency of the structures that have been invested in.

- Specific objectives:

To execute comprehensive mine closure plans in line with the projected cessation of production of coal mining investment projects in each specific phase as detailed in the Plan on Implementation of the Master Plan in each period.

3. New and renewable energy

Regarding new and renewable energy, the types of renewable energy included in the master plan are: (i) wind energy; (ii) solar energy; (iii) biomass energy; (iv) waste-to-energy; (v) small hydro power; (vi) other renewable (tidal, geothermal and biogas) energy; new energy (hydrogen, ammonia and hydrogen-derived fuels). The overall objective of the National Energy Master Plan is to promote the production and utilization of renewable energy, increase the application of renewable energy technologies, and make an important contribution to the implementation of Vietnam's commitments at COP26 on net zero emissions by 2050.

As orientated, to strongly develop offshore wind power in combination with other forms of renewable energy (solar power, onshore wind power, etc.) to produce new energy (hydrogen fuel, green ammonia, etc.) to meet the demand for domestic consumption and export. Renewable power used to produce new energy to meet the demand for domestic consumption and export are given priority/permitted to develop without constraints provided that national defense, social safety, and energy security are ensured while significant economic benefits are obtained, thereby making it become an emerging economic industry of the country.

a) Renewable energy for electricity generation

- Orientations:

To continue to promote the development of renewable energy sources (hydroelectricity, onshore and offshore wind power, solar power, biomass, etc.), new energy, and clean energy (hydrogen fuels, green ammonia, etc.) in accordance with the ability to ensure system safety with reasonable electricity prices, especially self-produced, self-consumed, and rooftop solar power sources.

- Specific objectives:

+ To bolster the development of renewable energy sources for electricity generation, aiming to achieve a share of approximately 30.9% to 39.2% by the year 2030, with the goal of reaching a renewable energy share of 47% if substantial international support in finance, technology, and management is obtained in accordance with the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). As orientated, the renewable energy rate to reach 67.5-71.5% by 2050.

+ Regarding the development of the renewable energy industry and service ecosystem:

. As expected by 2030, to establish two inter-regional industrial and service centers for renewable energy encompassing electricity generation, transmission, and consumption; along with the industrial manufacturing, construction, installation of renewable energy equipment, and related services, to establish a renewable energy industrial ecosystem in regions with high potential, such as the North, South Central, and South regions when favorable conditions are available.

. To develop power sources from renewable energy and produce new energy for export. To strive to reach the electricity export capacity of approximately 5,000 - 10,000 MW by 2030.

b) Renewable energy for heat generation

- Orientations:

To promote the development of renewable energy technologies using biomass, biogas, solar energy in heat generation for industrial, commercial and residential areas.

- Specific objectives:

+ Total renewable energy sources for heat generation and thermal power co-generation to be approximately 8.0 - 9.0 million tons of oil equivalent by 2030 and approximately 17.0 - 19.0 million tons of oil equivalent by 2050.

+ Development of solar energy: To increase the absorption area of solar water heating systems for commercial, residential, and industrial uses, to provide approximately 3.1 million tons of oil equivalent by 2030 and, as orientated, about 6 million tons of oil equivalent by 2050.

+ Development of biofuels and biogas:

. The use of biofuels to reach 0.28 million tons of oil equivalent by 2030 and, as orientated, 13.0 million tons of oil equivalent by 2050.

. The construction volume of biogas to reach approximately 60 million cubic meters by 2030 and approximately 100 million cubic meters by 2050.

c) Renewable energy for other industries

- Orientations:

To promote the development of renewable energy sources, including biofuels, hydrogen fuel, ammonia, and synthetic hydrogen-derived fuels, for use in electricity generation, transport (road, railway, waterway, and air), industrial sectors (steel, chemicals, refining, and other industries), residential, and commercial buildings, thereby accelerating the energy transition and gradually decarbonizing the economy. To develop a technology road map for the production and utilization of hydrogen fuel and hydrogen-derived fuels.

- Specific objectives:

+ To increase the yield of hydrogen produced through electrolysis and other processes that capture 100 - 200 thousand tons of carbon by 2030 and, as orientated, approximately 10.0 - 20.0 million tons of carbon by 2050.

+ To increase the production of synthetic fuels, as orientated, by 2.0 - 3.0 million tons by 2050.

+ To accelerate the application of carbon capture, use and storage solutions in industrial production facilities and power plants to achieve a capture capacity of approximately 1 million tons by 2040 and, as orientated, approximately 3-6 million tons by 2050.

4. Electricity

The electricity sub-sector shall comply with the National Electricity Development Master Plan for the 2021 - 2030 period, with a vision to 2050 (Electricity Master Plan VIII) approved by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 500/QD-TTg dated 15 May, 2023.

5. Investment capital demand

The total investment capital demand of the energy sector for the whole 2021 - 2050 period is approximately: VND 15,304 - 19,398 trillion. Investment phases:

- In the 2021 - 2030 period: approximately VND 4,133 - 4,808 trillion.

- As orientated in the 2031 - 2050 period: approximately VND 11,170 - 14,590 trillion, which will be made precise in the subsequent master plans/plans.

              IV. ORIENTATIONS OF LAND USE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY STRUCTURES AND ACTIVITIES TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, RESPOND TO CLIMATE CHANGE, AND PRESERVE THE ECO-SYSTEM, MONUMENTS AND NATURAL LANDSCAPES

1. Land use for energy development

The energy sector demands approximately 93.54 - 97.24 thousand hectares of land in the 2021 - 2030 period and, as orientated, approximately 171.41 - 196.76 thousand hectares of land in the 2031 -2050 period for development of their infrastructure and facilities.

The sea surface area needed for offshore structures is estimated to be approximately 334,800 - 334,800 hectares by 2030 and approximately 1,302,000 - 1,701,900 hectares by 2050.

2. Activities to protect the environment, respond to climate change, and preserve the eco-system, monuments and natural landscapes

To vigorously implement the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable and new energy sources to reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases, and achieve the “net zero emissions” target by 2050.

To apply new and modern technologies towards transitioning to a low-carbon and circular economy, reducing energy consumption and emissions, with the aim of satisfying the requirements of carbon emissions per unit of exports and carbon markets.

To avoid and minimize the development of energy structures and facilities in areas that pose risks to forests, nature and biological diversity reserves, natural heritages, landscapes, and classified relic and historic sites according to the environmental zoning in the National Environmental Protection Master Plan.

To implement appropriate measures during project execution to enhance the resilience of energy facilities, ensure safe and stable operations thereof, and minimize risks, losses, and damages caused by climate change to energy structures and facilities.

              V. LIST OF IMPORTANT ENERGY PROJECTS IN WHICH INVESTMENT IS PRIORITIZED AND THE ORDER OF PRIORITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF

1. Criteria and justifications for making the list of important energy projects in which investment is prioritized

The following projects can be identified as important energy projects in which investment is prioritized:

a) National important projects whose the investment policies are decided or approved by the National Assembly in accordance with Article 7 of the Law on Public Investment and Article 30 of the Law on Investment.

b) Projects satisfying one of the following criteria:

- Play a crucial role in balancing the energy supply - demand for the country, regions and important energy centers with the aim of ensuring national energy security and meeting the country's needs for socio-economic development.

- Ensure national defense and security, protect national sovereignty, and address challenges in localities with extremely difficult conditions, mountainous areas and islands.

- Explore and discover primary energy sources, promote the development of renewable energy.

- Invest in infrastructure for importing primary energy and in energy production abroad, thereby contributing to the national energy security.

- Exhibit characteristics of inter-regional connectivity, linkage of a chain of energy supply, production, and utilization, and formation of energy clusters and centers.

- Contribute to climate change adaptation, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, environmental protection (biomass, energy from waste and solid waste, co-generation, surplus gas utilization, etc.), and fulfillment of climate commitments.

- Contribute to establishing an overall renewable energy industry and service ecosystem.

- Export electricity and new energy produced from renewable energy sources.

- Use land efficiently.

- Employ modern technologies.

- Achieve high socio-economic efficiency.

The important projects in which investment is prioritized are categorized into two groups:

- Important projects in which investment is prioritized: Projects with clear legal foundations for implementation which are already included in the master plans of previous phases, or currently under investment preparation.

- Potential important projects: Projects identified with the following justifications:

+ Meet the criteria for an important project in which investment is prioritized.

+ Be feasible in implementation: Depending on the development situation in the subsequent phase (market demand, connecting projects, related infrastructure, etc.).

+ Apply new and environmentally friendly technologies

2. List of key energy investment projects

The list of key energy investment projects includes:

a) Important projects in which investment is prioritized, listed in Appendix IA to this Decision.

b) Important potential projects listed in Appendix IB to this Decision.

c) Other projects listed in Appendix II to this Decision.

VI. SOLUTIONS AND RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE MASTER PLAN

1. Solutions in terms of investment capital mobilization and allocation

- To diversify funding sources and forms of capital mobilization, efficiently attract domestic and foreign capital for energy development whereby the national defense and security and the competitiveness of the energy market shall be ensured. To strengthen the mobilization and effective utilization of international support commitments (e.g., JETP, Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), etc.), green credits, climate credits, green bonds, etc.

- To diversify investment forms (public sector, private sector, public-private partnerships, etc.) for energy projects. To leverage the role of State-owned enterprises and strongly attract the investments of domestic and foreign private sectors in energy development. To continue negotiations and effectively utilize funding sources and support arrangements from international partners during the energy transition, aiming towards Vietnam's net zero emissions.

- To make policies prioritizing the investment in sustainable energy infrastructure; to focus on building infrastructure for energy export and import, and regional connectivity.

- To gradually increase the capacity to mobilize internal financial resources within energy groups, corporations and enterprises by taking measures such as:  improving the efficiency and performance of energy enterprises, ensuring adequate accumulations and the owner's equity for investment in development as required by domestic and international financial institutions; aiming towards capital mobilization for investment projects mainly from the accumulated capital of enterprises.

2. Solutions in terms of mechanisms and policies

a) Energy market and prices

- To develop a comprehensive energy market which is interconnected between electricity, coal, petroleum, and renewable energy sub-sectors and can integrate to regional and global markets.

- To improve mechanisms, policies, and market-based instruments to promote the economical and efficient use of energy.

- To enhance the State governance capacity of the energy sector’s apparatus to promptly address legal obstacles.

- To improve the legal framework for the energy sector, which shall be tailored to the development stages of the energy (gas, coal, electricity) market, and policies to promote the development of renewable energy; to ensure consistency and avoid overlap or inconsistency among regulations.

- To restructure the energy sector with specific plans suitable for the development stages of the energy market whereby naturally monopolistic industries/steps within the energy sector shall be essentially separated from the potentially competitive ones in order to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and fair treatment among participants to the energy market.

- To develop gas and coal markets in conjunction with prioritized policies, thereby ensuring stable supply of gas and coal for electricity generation for the purpose of ensuring national energy security.

- To gradually manage prices through competitive market mechanisms, thereby ensuring accurate reflection of reasonable and legitimate costs as well as the transparency and publicity thereof.  The State will only regulate prices and fees of naturally monopolistic steps within the energy sector or of industries/areas where competition is lacking.

b) Economical and efficient use of energy

- To improve mechanisms, policies, market-based instruments to promote the economical and efficient use of energy. To promulgate mechanisms, policies, and legal regulations on the model of Energy Service Company (ESCO).

- To review, amend, and supplement national standards and regulations for the energy sector in line with international standards, consider standards and regulations related to recycling and waste utilization in energy production processes.  To gradually apply incentives and mandatory measures to promote technology and equipment renewal in the energy sector and in energy-intensive sectors.

- To restructure energy-consuming sectors, especially in foreign-invested areas, to reduce energy intensity. To make policies to encourage the development of low-energy-consuming and socio-economically efficient industries.

- To review and adjust the allocation of energy consumption flexibly towards non-concentrated manner, thereby limiting the excessive concentration in certain localities, in line with the nationwide, regional, and local rearrangement of industrial and urban development space.

- To review and complete the National Energy Efficiency Program for the 2020 - 2030 period. To apply compulsory standards and regulations together with penalties on energy efficiency for sectors, industries, and products with high energy consumption. To promulgate policies to encourage energy consumers to use clean and renewable energy, especially in industry and transportation; to promote the development of electric vehicles in line with global trends.

3. Solutions in terms of environment, science, and technology

a) Environmental protection and climate change response

- To conduct research and develop appropriate carbon tax policies applicable to the use of fossil fuels. To establish mechanisms and policies for the capture and utilization of CO2. To evaluate the effectiveness of using and recycling ash and slag based on the balance of demand and consumption for construction materials.

- To improve the policy framework, develop and supplement the national standards and regulations for emissions and waste of the energy sector towards approaching the standards of developed countries.

- To develop and implement the Scheme on integration of the circular economy into the energy enterprise development strategy. To develop a waste management and treatment system for energy production with advanced technologies suitable for the country's conditions, ensure the energy enterprises’ capacity for self-treatment of wastes. To issue policies and mechanisms to promote the development of the environmental industry associated with the energy sector.

- To strictly comply with the laws of Vietnam on ensuring safety and environmental protection, fully implement commitments in the environmental impact assessments of all projects; to continuously improve working conditions and environment, and health protection for workers.

- To strengthen and consolidate the environmental management organizations of State management agencies and enterprises operating in the energy sector.

- To fully monitor, observe, measure and manage environmental indicators; to regularly inspect the implementation of environmental protection regulations by energy enterprises.

b) Science and technology

- To establish mechanisms to connect the force specialized in scientific and technological research and development, and creative innovation with the enterprises and training institutions in the energy sector through science and technology programs; to integrate research and development activities into energy development strategies, master plans, and plans.

- To create mechanisms to encourage energy enterprises to increase investment in research and development; to establish innovation hubs of the energy sector.

- To continue implementing the national key science and technology program on research, application, and development of energy technologies for the 2021 - 2030 period, with a focus on research and manufacturing of energy equipment and application of new energy, renewable energy, smart energy, and energy efficiency.

- To enhance research, application, and technology transfer; to build a contingent of highly-educated, leading scientific and technological cadres; to intensify measures to further link scientific research to training and application.

- To promote scientific research, international cooperation in environmental protection and climate change response in order to gradually apply new technologies to enhance efficiency, cost-saving in environmental protection.

- To boost research on new forms of energy, such as nuclear energy, wave power, geothermal energy, green hydrogen, green ammonia, etc.; to formulate strategies for other forms of new energy.

4. Solutions in terms of human resource development

- To develop comprehensive human resource development policies and training programs for key steps of the energy sector. To enhance the training of technicians and specialized personnel to meet domestic requirements towards export. To effectively utilize human resources trained in nuclear energy, coupled with improvement training.

- To establish development planning and training plans for key technological, breakthrough industries of the energy sector.

- To create reasonable incentive mechanisms to attract high-quality human resources in the energy sector.

- To issue appropriate incentives to attract experts, scientists, and highly educated human resources from both domestic and international sources to work in the energy sector; to form strong scientific and technological groups capable of addressing important tasks in the energy sector.

- To strengthen the cooperation and collaboration with reputable domestic and international training institutions to develop human resources.

- To utilize investment projects for training and adopting new and modern technologies.

- To focus on vocational training to have a skilled workforce with the ability to grasp and proficiently use modern technical tools and technologies.

5. Solutions in terms of international cooperation

- To implement flexible, efficient, equitable, and mutually beneficial diplomatic polices in terms of energy. To strengthen international relations in the energy sector across all sub-sectors and industries, in line with the integration trend, and to leverage opportunities from trade agreements and favorable political-diplomatic relations for energy development.

- To promote international cooperation; to proactively build strategic partnerships in order to achieve the objective of long-term energy import and invest in energy resources abroad.

- To actively engage in energy cooperation within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and Southeast Asia (ASEAN); to interconnect power grids and improve electricity trading mechanisms with China, Laos, and Cambodia. To continue researching gas system connections in the region and implement when conditions allows.

- To proactively and effectively implement the contents of the JETP, maximize international partners' support in technology transfer, management, workforce training, and financial assistance, consider JETP as a significant solution for Vietnam's energy transition.

- To promote international cooperation and integration, encourage and attract all domestic economic sectors and foreign investors to participate in the energy sector.

- To expand international cooperation in terms of scientific research and technological development, to diversify cooperation methods to leverage technology transfer and funding sources from foreign partners, and build domestic supply chains for energy equipment.

6. Solutions in terms of implementation and supervision of the master plan

- To formulate a plan to implement the National Energy Master Plan immediately after its approval, and update such plan annually depending on the actual situation, then report it to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval.

- To organize inspection and supervision of the implementation of the National Energy Master Plan in accordance with law.

- The sequence of investment in development projects/schemes must comply with relevant laws (laws on investment, construction, oil and gas, minerals, environmental protection, etc.), and they may be carried out before and/or during the planning phase to ensure that they are put into production/operation on schedule as defined in the Master Plan.

- To build an energy database including data on the Master Plan and the implementation thereof, which serves as a basis for supervising the implementation of the Master Plan. To regularly review the national and local energy supply and demand as well as the progress of energy projects in order to propose necessary adjustments thereto in order to ensure the energy supply meets the needs of the economy.

- To establish a National Steering Committee for Energy Development to monitor and promote the implementation of the National Energy Master Plan, and promptly resolve difficulties and obstacles that may arise.

- To develop and apply discipline and compliance rules to project owners, ministries, sectors, the Commission for Management of State Capital at Enterprises, and localities during the implementation of the National Energy Master Plan. To establish mechanisms to impose penalties and revoke projects that are delayed or not implemented according to the assigned schedule.

Article 2. Implementation organization

1. The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall:

- Take responsibility for the accuracy of data, documents, diagrams, maps, and databases in the Master Plan’s dossier, and ensure their consistency with the contents of this Decision.

- Publicize the Master Plan in accordance with regulations and implement this Decision in conjunction with the fulfillment of socio-economic development tasks in accordance with the law; develop a plan to implement the Master Plan based on the criteria and justifications specified in this Decision so as to execute the objectives and tasks set forth in the Master Plan; arrange the evaluation of the implementation of the Master Plan under the Law on Planning. Complete and submit the plan on implementation of the Master Plan to the Prime Minister in 2023.

- Boost research on new forms of energy, such as nuclear energy, wave power, geothermal energy, green hydrogen, green ammonia, etc.; formulate strategies for new energy forms.

- Strengthen the establishment and improvement of necessary conditions for effectively developing a competitive energy market.

- Assume the prime responsibility for studying and proposing amendments to legal documents and authorization and decentralization mechanisms to the Prime Minister for decision-making to facilitate the progress of energy projects.

2. Other ministries, sectors and the Commission for Management of State Capital at Enterprises shall:

Fulfill all functions, tasks, and authorities to implement the energy projects in the National Energy Master Plan on schedule; propose mechanisms, policies, and solutions to resolve obstacles for efficient implementation of the Master Plan's objectives, ensure its consistency and coherence with the 10-year socio-economic Development Strategy for the 2021-2030 period, as well as socio-economic development plans of each sector and locality.

3. People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities shall:

Organize the selection of energy project owners and allocate land for the development of energy facilities in accordance with the law, with priority given to land allocation for projects under the Master Plan; assume the prime responsibility for, and closely coordinate with project owners in, conducting site clearance, compensation, resettlement, and relocation of residents for energy projects in accordance with the regulations.

4. The Vietnam Electricity shall:

- Maintain a leading role in ensuring stable and safe electricity supply for the cause of socio-economic development. Invest in electricity generation projects and power grid projects synchronously according to the tasks assigned to it.

- Regularly review and assess the balance of electricity supply and demand and the operational status of the national and regional power systems, and report them to relevant authorities.

- Thoroughly take solutions to innovate corporate governance, enhance production and business efficiency, increase labor productivity, reduce power losses, save costs, and lower production costs.

5. The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group shall:

- Proactively develop and adjust the Group's development strategies and plans in accordance with the approved National Energy Master Plan; enhance capital mobilization from domestic and international institutions to implement investment projects, particularly key oil and gas projects.

- Coordinate with partnership contractors to optimize the extraction of oil and gas resources from Block B Field, Ca Voi Xanh Field, etc. as well as the oil and gas sector’s infrastructure projects that have been planned, including LNG import terminal projects.

- Strengthen prospecting, exploration, and extraction of domestic oil and gas resources to supply various industries.

- Promote investments in energy projects according to the tasks assigned to it.

6. The Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited and Dong Bac Corporation shall:

- Proactively develop and adjust their development strategies and plans in accordance with the Master Plan.

- Continue to assume the primary responsibility for implementing the Master Plan’s contents regarding the coal sub-sector and sustainably developing the coal sub-sector; efficiently fulfill their role as the main suppliers of domestically produced coal for consumers; actively select and determine appropriate timing for the preparation and investment work as specified by the regulations to ensure that exploration schemes, coal mine projects, and infrastructure projects under their assigned management are put into production/operation on schedule under the Master Plan.

- Extract, process, and supply coal in accordance with the approved development orientations for the coal sub-sector; ensure sufficient coal supply for consumers as per the signed coal purchase/supply contracts, particularly guaranteeing adequate coal supply for electricity generation under long-, medium-, and short-term contracts signed with thermal power plant project owners.

- Closely update with the developments of domestic and international coal markets; actively and proactively seek reputable coal suppliers globally with stable long-term coal sources to diversify coal imports.

- Coordinate with domestic and foreign capable investors to study the investment in constructing coal transshipment terminals.

- Actively and proactively seek cooperation with domestic and foreign organizations and individuals possessing adequate capacity and suitable technology to research and invest in selecting technologies and exploration methods for production trial projects/schemes, and progressing toward an effective industrial production plan for the Song Hong Coal Basin. Coordinate with domestic and international enterprises and organizations to study the use of coal for non-energy purposes, coal gasification, etc.

- Study and apply scientific and technological advancements in converting coal into clean energy and other products (used in metallurgy or coal gasification to produce suitable gas products for the energy and industrial sectors, etc.) to diversify coal-derived products.

- Promote investments in energy projects according to the tasks assigned to it.

7. The Vietnam National Petroleum Group and other energy enterprises shall:

- Proactively develop and adjust strategies, planning, and development plans that align with the overall development of the entire energy sector; have plans to enhance capital mobilization from both domestic and foreign financial institutions.

- Exercise the powers and functions specified in their respective charters and relevant legal regulations to implement tasks and solutions in this Master Plan.

Article 3. This Decision takes effect from the date of signing for promulgation.

Article 4. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government-attached agencies, chairpersons of People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities; chairpersons of Members’ Councils and general directors of Corporations, namely the Vietnam Electricity, the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, the Vietnam National Petroleum Group, the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited, and Dong Bac Corporation, other relevant agencies shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.
 

* All Appendices are not translated herein.