Vietnam increases its coal consumption plan for 2030 as the G7 climate offer stalls

According to official documents, Vietnam has upped its coal power aim for 2030, while renewables goals have been pushed down, potentially undermining rich nations’ supporting attempts for cleaner energy.

The amended draft, dated Nov. 11, was released by Vietnam’s industry ministry as Group of Seven climate negotiators failed to reach an agreement with Vietnam on a “Just Energy Transition Partnership” during the global climate COP27 summit, which concluded in Egypt on Sunday. 

A request for comment was not returned by the industry ministry. The most recent plan reverses a draft presented just a month ago that would have reduced the increase in coal use by the end of this decade. A significant reduction in coal capacity would not occur until 2045.

Vietnam, one of the world’s top 20 coal users, has seen protracted squabbling among opposing government interests over its power growth plans for this decade, and more changes are possible in the next weeks and months, according to investors in Vietnam.