Pathways to Low-Carbon Development for Viet Nam

This study assesses how Viet Nam’s green growth objectives can be achieved through a detailed modeling approach that draws on extensive national stakeholder input to ensure alignment with sector plans and strategies.

Viet Nam’s rapid economic growth in recent years has been energy dependent. Viet Nam’s economy could expand by almost 14 times between 2010 and 2050, but the country’s energy system has become more carbon intensive. This study uses a bottom-up model to evaluate 63 measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from household electricity, industry, power generation, and transport. It finds the potential for emissions reduction by 53% in 2050, and that much of this reduction can occur at low or negative financial costs. These measures are found to ultimately lead to faster and more inclusive economy-wide growth for the country. Policy measures are also identified to help realize this growth.