Vietnam’s National Assembly has discussed proposed amendments to the Electricity Law, with lawmakers calling for clearer policies to promote biomass energy, rooftop solar power, offshore wind projects and electricity transmission infrastructure, Vn Economy reported.
The discussions took place on November 3 during the ongoing second session of the 16th National Assembly. Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung explained the government’s plans to address challenges in the power sector, encourage investment and strengthen national energy security.
Lawmakers seek better support for biomass energy
Raising the issue of using agricultural waste for electricity generation, particularly rice straw, lawmaker Doan Hung Vu from the Dong Thap delegation said existing environmental regulations require the collection of agricultural by-products for use as fuel and prohibit their open burning.
He also referred to Resolution No. 70/NQ/TW, which calls for greater use of electricity generated from biomass, including combined heat and power projects, with development allowed beyond existing plans.
However, he pointed out that the proposed amendments provide special support mechanisms for electricity generated from waste but do not offer similar clarity on biomass power tariffs. Leaving pricing decisions to the government based on economic and social development requirements has created uncertainty among investors, while farmers continue to face difficulties in finding uses for accumulated rice straw.
Vu suggested including biomass energy and biogas produced from agricultural by-products and livestock waste alongside waste-to-energy projects under the special provisions of Article 5.
He also proposed including a provision in Article 51 to ensure that electricity prices account for the full cost of collecting biomass fuel. He called for fuel price components to be adjusted according to actual market changes while remaining stable throughout the electricity purchase agreement.
Calls for a stronger rooftop solar framework
Lawmakers also highlighted the need for a clear and long-term policy framework for rooftop solar power.
Le Cong Dinh from the Tay Ninh delegation said rooftop solar could help reduce pressure on electricity supplies during the dry season and support exporters in meeting environmental requirements in international markets.
He said uncertainty over regulations could discourage households and businesses from investing in rooftop solar installations. He urged lawmakers to establish clear principles in the amended law.
Dinh proposed three key measures. First, the law should clearly establish the right to generate and use electricity for personal consumption, define the responsibilities of consumers and producers, and provide a clear roadmap for selling surplus electricity to the grid.
Second, he called for technical standards and digital systems for managing electricity distribution to be included in the legal framework. These should cover technologies such as smart inverters and modern electricity meters, allowing the development of virtual power plants and remote adjustments to electricity consumption during emergencies.
Third, he proposed encouraging battery storage systems installed at the point of electricity consumption and flexible electricity pricing based on the time of use.
Dinh said these measures were important for developing a green economy and attracting investment. He added that the law should establish clear basic principles, while the government could frame detailed implementation rules through subsequent regulations.
