In brief
On 11 December 2025, the National Assembly of Vietnam officially adopted Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 (“Resolution 253”). This resolution introduces a series of new mechanisms and policies across key areas, such as adjustments to power master plans, tariff determination, investor selection, power purchase agreements (PPAs), offshore wind (OSW) power development and direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) implementation.
These reforms are expected to enhance investment efficiency, accelerate project implementation across the energy sector and address some concerns and proposals raised by energy investors in Vietnam during the 2026-2030 period. The issuance of these policies and mechanisms demonstrates Vietnam’s strong commitment to attracting further investment in the energy sector and achieving its energy security targets.
Key highlights include the following:
- Bid-winning tariff to be the final power tariff under the PPA (except for thermal power, small module nuclear power and OSW power projects): no post-bid power tariff negotiations and shortened PPA execution timeline
- Expanded categories of power projects eligible for direct investor approval
- Updates to the DPPA mechanism: removal of tariff cap, inclusion of power retailers as large power consumers and clarification of eligible consumers
- Enhanced framework to promote OSW power development with an expected operation period during 2025-2030 and 2031-2035
- Adjustments and updates to national and provincial power master plans
- Streamlined procedures for implementing power grid projects
- Promotion of research and development of small modular nuclear power
- Next actions required for the Government of Vietnam
Resolution 253 will be in effect from 1 March 2026 until 31 December 2030. In the case of discrepancies between Resolution 253 and other laws or resolutions of the National Assembly on the same matter, Resolution 253 will prevail. If other legal normative documents provide more favorable mechanisms or incentives, eligible entities may opt for the most beneficial option. Resolution 253 does not apply to pending projects that require the resolution of difficulties and obstacles, which fall under the functions and tasks of the Government Steering Committee established under Prime Minister Decision No. 751/QD-TTg dated 11 April 2025.
Hoang Anh Vu, Trainee Solicitor, has co-authored this legal update.