Strategic power expansion and renewable integration in pathways to the Net-Zero in Vietnam

Decarbonizing the power sector and the transition to a low-carbon energy future are critical strategies for reducing emissions. A major challenge in adapting conventional power systems to incorporate low-carbon energy sources is variable outputs of renewable energy. Energy storage systems (ESS) offer a solution to mitigate these fluctuations. Given the complexity of input data and non-convex constraints, capacity planning for renewables and ESS has become mainstream research with the development of various methodologies and applications. This study develops two integrated models to address these challenges: (i) a capacity expansion model based on Linear Problem, and (ii) an hourly dispatch model using Mixed Integer Linear Problem. Applied to Vietnam’s latest national power development plan, the PDP8, our analysis of three future scenarios reveals significant potential of integration of renewable energy post-2030. Additionally, the study outlines criteria for selecting ESS locations in Vietnam, taking into account factors such as congestion, load shedding, and renewable energy curtailment. Our results show that ESS deployment can significantly reduce renewable energy curtailment, while effectively addressing load shedding requires appropriate penalty mechanisms for power companies. Our findings offer insights for policymakers and power system planners facing reliability, operational efficiency, and decarbonization trade-offs in energy transitions.