Vietnam's New Regulatory Framework for Offshore Wind Power Project Surveys (2026-2030)
The Vietnamese Government has recently issued Decree No. 272/2026/ND-CP, which details specific conditions and measures to implement Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly dated December 11, 2025, regarding mechanisms and policies for national energy development for the 2026-2030 period.
This decree focuses on establishing clear conditions for survey units of offshore wind power projects in Vietnam from July 2026 to December 2030. It aims to create a clear legal framework for the development of offshore wind power, a critical component of Vietnam's energy transition strategy.
Background of the Decree
Vietnam is actively promoting renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind power, to fulfill its commitment made at COP26 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. According to the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), offshore wind power is expected to make a significant contribution to the national power system.
However, to ensure effective and sustainable development, specific regulations regarding the technical capabilities, capacity, and experience of survey units are necessary to guarantee quality and safety for these projects.
Main Content of Decree 272/2026/ND-CP
1. Conditions for Offshore Wind Power Project Survey Units
According to the decree, survey units for offshore wind power projects must meet the following conditions:
- Registered for business in the fields of surveying, renewable energy consulting, or related fields
- Have at least 5 years of experience implementing survey projects in the energy, wind power, or marine works sectors
- Employ a team of engineers and experts with high professional qualifications and practical experience
- Be equipped with modern machinery and equipment for survey activities
- Have clear quality management and occupational safety mechanisms
2. Scope and Content of Surveys
Survey units must conduct the following:
- Seabed geological surveys
- Meteorological and hydrological condition assessments
- Geotechnical surveys
- Environmental impact assessments
- Determination of construction and operational conditions
- Proposal of suitable technical solutions
3. Registration and Permitting Procedures
The registration and permitting process for survey units includes the following steps:
- Submit registration documents to the Ministry of Industry and Trade
- Document evaluation by a specialized council
- Issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility for Surveying
- Publication of eligible units on the electronic information portal
Technical Capacity Requirements
The decree specifies the technical capacity requirements that survey units must meet:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Human Resources | Minimum of 10 engineers with appropriate qualifications, including at least 3 engineers with over 5 years of experience in offshore wind power |
| Equipment | High-precision GPS measurement systems, wave measurement devices, ocean current measurement equipment, sediment sampling devices, specialized data processing software |
| Experience | Successfully implemented at least 3 offshore wind power or equivalent-scale marine project surveys in the last 5 years |
| Certifications | International certifications for occupational safety and environmental protection for maritime operations |
Supervision and Evaluation Mechanisms
To ensure the quality of survey activities, the decree establishes the following supervision and evaluation mechanisms:
- The Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with relevant ministries and sectors, supervises the activities of survey units
- Establishment of a Science and Technology Council to advise on survey work
- Development of an annual evaluation criteria system
- Regulation of penalties for units that fail to meet requirements
Significance and Impact of the Decree
The issuance of Decree 272/2026/ND-CP has significant implications for the development of offshore wind power in Vietnam:
- Creates a clear and transparent legal framework for survey activities
- Ensures quality, safety, and efficiency of projects
- Attracts domestic and foreign investment in offshore wind power
- Contributes to fulfilling international commitments on climate change
- Provides a foundation for sustainable development of renewable energy in Vietnam
Outlook for Offshore Wind Power Development
According to experts, with these specific regulations, Vietnam's offshore wind power could achieve an installed capacity of approximately 5-7 GW by 2030, equivalent to reducing emissions by 12-15 million tons of CO2 annually.
However, to achieve this target, additional supportive policies regarding finance, electricity pricing mechanisms, and suitable technical solutions for offshore wind power projects are needed.
Conclusion
Decree 272/2026/ND-CP marks a significant step in improving the legal framework for offshore wind power development in Vietnam. By specifying conditions for survey units, the decree will contribute to ensuring the quality, efficiency, and safety of projects, while also establishing a basis for attracting sustainable investment in this clean energy source.
However, to fully exploit the potential of offshore wind power, it is necessary to continue improving supportive policies and addressing challenges related to techniques, finance, and the environment during project implementation.