Circular No. 03/2025/TT-BTNMT detailing the scope of basic investigation on renewable energy resources and new energy resources for electricity within the territory of Vietnam

CIRCULAR

Detailed regulations on the scope of basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources on the territory of Vietnam

Pursuant to the Electricity Law dated November 30, 2024;

Pursuant to the Law on Marine Resources, Environment, and Islands dated June 25, 2015;

Pursuant to the Law on Meteorology and Hydrology dated November 23, 2015;

Pursuant to the Environmental Protection Law dated November 17, 2020;

Pursuant to the Law on Water Resources dated November 27, 2023;

Pursuant to Decree No. 68/2022/NĐ-CP dated September 22, 2022 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

At the proposal of the Director of the Vietnam Marine and Island Administration;

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment promulgates this Circular detailing the scope of basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources on the territory of Vietnam.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

1. This Circular details the scope of basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources on the territory of Vietnam, including the scope concerning: content and level of investigation; spatial investigation; results of investigation.

2. Renewable energy resources and new energy resources as defined in this Circular include: solar power resources, wind power resources, geothermal power resources; wave power resources, tidal power resources; waste-to-energy resources from municipal solid waste and urban waste, production and business waste; biomass power resources; hydropower resources.

3. The scope of basic investigation regarding hydropower resources; wave power resources, tidal power resources and other types of power resources from ocean energy shall be carried out according to the provisions of this Circular and laws on water resources, laws on marine and island resources and environment.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to state management agencies, organizations, and individuals related to the activities of basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources as stipulated in Article 1 of this Circular on the territory of Vietnam.

Article 3. Principles for Determining the Scope of Basic Investigation Regarding Renewable Energy Resources and New Energy Resources

1. Basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources is an activity of collecting, compiling information and data, surveying, measuring, analyzing, and evaluating the resources as stipulated in Article 1 of this Circular to provide information and figures about the current status, characteristics, and potential of the resources serving the development of power planning and provincial planning.

2. Basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources shall be conducted throughout the territory of Vietnam. Priority shall be given to areas, regions, localities with potential and advantages in renewable energy and new energy; places currently lacking electricity supply; places with existing power grid systems to leverage natural advantages, power grid infrastructure, and shift towards low-carbon power structure, achieving emission reduction targets and sustainable power system development.

3. Basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources aims to effectively utilize power sources, ensure reliability of power supply; ensure national power supply security and energy security; rationally and sustainably exploit natural resources.

4. Based on requirements for ensuring power supply security, scientific and technological progress, economic and social development conditions at each period, competent authorities responsible for conducting basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 21 of the Electricity Law shall implement basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources within their jurisdiction.

Article 4. General Requirements for Activities of Basic Investigation Regarding Renewable Energy Resources and New Energy Resources

1. Activities of basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources shall be carried out through projects, programs, tasks approved and assigned by competent state authorities. Competent authorities responsible for conducting basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources decide and approve the contents and activities to be implemented (collecting, compiling information and data; supplementary surveys and measurements; levels of analysis and evaluation; map content, ratio,...) to meet the requirements of providing information and data for power development planning and provincial planning.

2. Collecting, compiling existing information and data on renewable energy resources and new energy resources from recognized official sources must ensure reliability, accuracy, and up-to-date status; using advanced and modern monitoring, measurement equipment and applying advanced technology in direct field surveys, analyzing, and evaluating renewable energy resources and new energy resources.

3. Activities of collecting, compiling information and data; surveying, measuring, analyzing, and evaluating renewable energy resources and new energy resources must comply with technical standards, technical regulations, professional procedures, and legal normative documents issued by competent state authorities.

4. The distribution of potential renewable energy resources and new energy resources shall be reflected on topographic maps published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment with appropriate scales, meeting the requirements for power development planning and provincial planning; the content shall show areas with potential renewable energy resources and new energy resources at three levels: low, medium, high.

5. Results of basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources must be evaluated and accepted; information, figures, data, and results of basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources must be reviewed, processed, updated into information systems and databases, and submitted to state management agencies as prescribed; sent to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for nationwide information and data consolidation.

6. Funding for basic investigation regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources shall be implemented according to Clause 6, Article 21 of the Electricity Law. Encouragement and mobilization of legitimate financial resources and contributions in science and technology from organizations and individuals to serve the basic investigation activities regarding renewable energy resources and new energy resources are encouraged.

Chapter II
SCOPE OF BASIC INVESTIGATION ON RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES AND NEW ENERGY RESOURCES

Section 1
SCOPE OF BASIC INVESTIGATION ON SOLAR POWER RESOURCES

Article 5. Content and Level of Investigation

1. Collecting, compiling information and data; surveying, measuring, analyzing, and evaluating solar energy resources:

a) Collecting and compiling existing information and data on solar radiation; surveying and measuring solar radiation when additional information and data are needed;

b) Surveying and determining sunlight hours, average daily sunshine hours, monthly and annually;

c) Analyzing and evaluating the intensity of solar radiation, total solar radiation, distribution of solar radiation, stability, and variability of solar energy sources in the investigation area.

2. Collecting and compiling information and data on topography, meteorology, hydrology:

a) Topographic characteristics: height, depth (for coastal areas, lakes), slope, and other typical surface data in the investigation area;

b) Average daily temperature, humidity, monthly and annually; number of rainy days;

c) Meteorological and hydrological phenomena such as typhoons, strong winds, flash floods, flooding, and other natural disasters in the investigation area.

3. Compiling, analyzing, and evaluating the potential of solar energy resources in the investigation area; zoning areas with prospects for developing solar power.

Article 6. Investigation Space

Conducting basic investigations of solar energy resources throughout the territory of Vietnam; prioritizing and focusing on the following areas:

1. Areas with solar radiation intensity exceeding 4.0 kWh/m2/day.

2. Areas with favorable conditions for developing solar power:

a) Land areas used for combined purposes including solar power according to land laws; vacant lands, unused lands, or lands unsuitable for other socio-economic activities;

b) Roofs and construction facilities with potential for developing rooftop solar power;

c) Areas near developed power grid infrastructure; capable of connecting to existing grids or those planned.

Article 7. Investigation Results

1. Comprehensive report on investigation results, including contents specified in Article 5 of this Circular.

2. Map showing the distribution of solar energy resource potential based on topographic maps published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at appropriate scales, meeting requirements for power development planning and provincial planning.

3. Information and data collected, measured, and surveyed (including samples, paper documents, and digital data).

Section 2
SCOPE OF BASIC INVESTIGATION OF WIND ENERGY RESOURCES

Article 8. Content and Level of Investigation

1. Collecting, compiling information and data; surveying, measuring, analyzing, and evaluating wind energy resources:

a) Collecting and compiling existing information and data on wind speed and direction; surveying and measuring wind speed and direction when additional information and data are needed;

b) Analyzing and determining the characteristics of wind speed and direction; wind speed and direction over time; changes in wind speed with altitude (wind gradient);

c) Analyzing the stability and variability of wind energy sources.

2. Collecting and compiling information and data on topography, meteorology, hydrology:

a) Topographic characteristics: height, depth (for coastal areas, lakes), slope, and other typical surface data in the investigation area;

b) Meteorological and hydrological phenomena such as typhoons, strong winds, flash floods, flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters in the investigation area.

3. Compiling, analyzing, and evaluating the potential of wind energy resources in the investigation area; zoning areas with prospects for developing wind power.

Article 9. Investigation Space

Conducting basic investigations of wind energy resources throughout the territory of Vietnam; prioritizing and focusing on the following areas:

1. Areas with high wind potential; concentrated in coastal plains, mountainous regions, highlands, and offshore sea areas.

2. Areas with favorable conditions for developing wind power:

a) Vacant lands with flat terrain, few obstacles, and unsuitable for other socio-economic activities;

b) Sea areas with suitable depth and distance for installing wind turbines and transmitting electricity to shore; areas not currently used or unsuitable for other socio-economic activities.

c) Areas near developed power grid infrastructure; capable of connecting to existing grids or those planned.

Article 10. Investigation Results

1. Comprehensive report on investigation results, including contents specified in Article 8 of this Circular.

2. Map showing the distribution of wind energy resource potential based on topographic maps published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at appropriate scales, meeting requirements for power development planning and provincial planning.

3. Information and data collected, measured, and surveyed (including samples, paper documents, and digital data).

Section 3
SCOPE OF BASIC INVESTIGATION OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY RESOURCES

Article 11. Content and Level of Investigation

1. Collecting, compiling information and data; surveying, measuring, analyzing, and evaluating geothermal energy resources:

a) Collecting and compiling existing information and data on geothermal resources;

b) Analyzing geological structure to determine boundaries of large structural blocks, deep fault zones where high-temperature geothermal sources are close to the surface, structures conducive to heat retention such as cap rocks, geothermal domes, reservoirs, and heat conductivity; geothermal manifestations through hot springs, oil and gas wells, geological drilling, and geophysical data;

b) Geophysical measurements, exploration drilling, and measurements to determine geothermal sources (depth, flow rate, pressure), temperature variations, pH, salinity, and composition of geothermal fluids;

c) Analyzing data, modeling to evaluate the scale and geothermal resources; delineating areas with geothermal potential;

d) Compiling, analyzing, and evaluating geological characteristics, geological conditions, origin, and recoverability of thermal energy from geothermal sources; delineating areas with prospects for developing geothermal power.

2. Collecting and compiling information and data on topography, meteorology, hydrology:

a) Topographic characteristics: height, depth (for coastal areas, lakes), slope, and other typical surface data in the investigation area; geological environmental characteristics;

b) Meteorological and hydrological phenomena such as strong winds, heavy rain, typhoons, flash floods, flooding, and other natural disasters in the investigation area.

3. Compiling, analyzing, and evaluating the potential of geothermal energy resources in the investigation area; zoning areas with prospects for developing geothermal power.

Article 12. Investigation Space

Conducting basic investigations of geothermal energy resources throughout the territory of Vietnam; prioritizing and focusing on the following areas:

1. Areas with geothermal energy potential:

a) Boundaries of large structural blocks, uplifted dome structures, deep fault zones, volcanic ring structures.

b) Areas where geothermal manifestations are present through hot water springs, oil and gas drilling wells, geological drilling sites, or regions with high underground temperatures.

2. Areas with favorable conditions that can develop geothermal power:

a) Areas with space, land, and flat terrain suitable for constructing power plants;

b) Areas located near developed power grid infrastructure, capable of connecting to existing grids or those planned.

Article 13. Investigation Results

1. A comprehensive report on investigation results, including the contents stipulated in Article 11 of this Circular.

2. Maps delineating geothermal prospect zones; maps of geothermal energy resources based on topographic maps published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at appropriate scales, meeting requirements for planning electricity development and provincial planning.

3. Information and data collected, measured, surveyed, analyzed (including samples, paper documents, and digital data).

Section 4
SCOPE OF BASIC INVESTIGATION OF MARINE WAVE ENERGY RESOURCES

Article 14. Content and Level of Investigation

1. Collecting, compiling information and data; surveying, measuring, analyzing, and evaluating marine wave energy resources:

a) Collecting and compiling existing information and data on waves; surveying and measuring waves when additional information and data are needed;

b) Analyzing average and maximum wave heights; analyzing wave direction, speed, and period;

c) Determining the frequency of occurrence of different types of waves (small, medium, large) over time and direction;

d) Analyzing and assessing wave energy density in various sea areas over time and space.

2. Collecting and compiling information and data on topography, meteorology, hydrology:

a) Characteristics of the seabed topography: depth, slope, seabed structure;

b) Coastal structure: natural features (mangrove forests, river mouths, etc.) and artificial structures (dikes, ports, etc.);

c) Meteorological and hydrological characteristics regarding wind, currents, seawater temperature; weather phenomena such as typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters in the investigation area.

3. Summarizing, analyzing, and evaluating the potential of marine wave energy resources in the investigation area; zoning areas with prospects for developing wave energy.

Article 15. Investigation Space

Conduct basic investigations of marine wave energy resources throughout Vietnam's territorial waters; prioritizing and focusing on the following areas:

1. Areas with strong, stable, and frequent waves; particularly coastal areas in central and southern Vietnam, island and archipelago areas with large waves.

2. Areas with favorable conditions for developing wave energy:

a) Areas with water depths suitable for installing wave energy harvesting equipment;

b) Areas close to the coast with favorable conditions for transmitting electricity to shore or supplying power to areas with high energy demand such as economic zones, industrial parks, export processing zones, and seaports;

c) Sea areas not yet utilized or unsuitable for other socio-economic activities;

d) Areas near developed power grid infrastructure; capable of connecting to existing grids or those planned.

Article 16. Investigation Results

1. A comprehensive report on investigation results, including the contents stipulated in Article 14 of this Circular.

2. Maps showing the distribution of marine wave energy resource potential based on topographic maps published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at appropriate scales, meeting requirements for planning electricity development and provincial planning.

3. Information and data collected, measured, and surveyed (including samples, paper documents, and digital data).

Section 5
SCOPE OF BASIC INVESTIGATION OF TIDAL ENERGY RESOURCES

Article 17. Content and Level of Investigation

1. Collecting, compiling information and data; surveying, measuring, analyzing, and evaluating tidal energy resources:

a) Collecting and compiling existing information and data on tides; surveying and measuring tides when additional information and data are needed;

b) Statistics on characteristic values of tides, including tidal levels and tidal range;

c) Analyzing tidal harmonics to determine and assess tidal characteristics, classify tides.

2. Collecting and compiling information and data on topography, meteorology, hydrology:

a) Characteristics of the seabed topography: depth, slope, seabed structure;

b) Coastal structure: natural features (mangrove forests, river mouths, etc.) and artificial structures (dikes, ports, etc.);

c) Meteorological and hydrological phenomena such as strong winds, heavy rains, typhoons, and other natural disasters in the investigation area.

3. Summarizing, analyzing, and evaluating the potential of tidal energy resources in the investigation area; zoning areas with prospects for developing tidal energy.

Article 18. Investigation Space

Conduct basic investigations of tidal energy resources throughout Vietnam's territorial waters; prioritizing and focusing on the following areas:

1. Coastal areas with large tidal ranges; particularly bays, river mouths, and lagoons.

2. Areas with favorable conditions for developing tidal energy:

a) Areas suitable for building tidal dams or installing submerged turbines to harvest tidal energy;

b) Areas close to the coast with favorable conditions for transmitting electricity to shore or supplying power to areas with high energy demand such as economic zones, industrial parks, export processing zones, and seaports;

c) Sea areas not yet utilized or unsuitable for other socio-economic activities;

d) Areas near developed energy infrastructure; capable of connecting to existing grids or those planned.

Article 19. Investigation Results

1. A comprehensive report on investigation results, including the contents stipulated in Article 17 of this Circular.

2. Maps showing the distribution of tidal energy resource potential based on topographic maps published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at appropriate scales, meeting requirements for planning electricity development and provincial planning.

3. Information and data collected, measured, and surveyed (including samples, paper documents, and digital data).

Chapter 6
SCOPE OF BASIC INVESTIGATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES FROM SOLID WASTE FROM HOUSEHOLD AND URBAN ACTIVITIES, AND PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS PROCESSES

Article 20. Content and Level of Investigation

1. Collecting, compiling information and data; surveying, analyzing, and evaluating energy resources from solid waste from household and urban activities, and production and business processes:

a) Collecting and compiling existing information and data on solid waste from household and urban activities, and production and business processes;

b) Summarizing the volume of solid waste from household and urban activities, and production and business processes: daily and annual generation volumes; volumes collected, sorted, and treated;

c) Analyzing the composition and types of solid waste from household and urban activities, and production and business processes according to proportions and volumes; types of waste collected and treated by incineration or capable of being burned to generate electricity.

d) Calculate the calorific value of waste for each main type of waste generated and the average calorific value for one ton of waste;

đ) Analyze and assess the volume and composition of waste generated and collected annually that can be processed into electricity; the volume and composition of waste buried at landfills that have the potential to recover and process into electricity;

e) Analyze and forecast the situation of waste generation in terms of volume and composition on an annual basis and according to the planning period; analyze and forecast the volume and composition of waste generated that can be collected and processed into electricity;

2. Survey and evaluate waste treatment facilities: current status of centralized waste treatment areas and facilities; location, technology (landfilling with energy recovery; incineration with energy recovery; non-energy recovery incineration; recycling and other technologies); designed capacity, actual reception and treatment capacity; current status of waste treatment facilities combined with power generation (scale, combustion capacity, power generation capacity); assess the potential to integrate and supplement technologies and production stages of electricity from waste into existing waste treatment systems;

3. Summarize, analyze, and evaluate the potential of electric resources from solid urban and household waste and production and business processes waste in the investigation area; delineate regions with prospects for developing electricity from solid urban and household waste and production and business processes waste;

Article 21. Investigation Area

Conduct basic investigations of electric resources from solid urban and household waste and production and business processes waste throughout the mainland territory, islands, and archipelagos of Vietnam, prioritizing and focusing on the following areas:

1. Major cities; rural areas with high population density and large volumes of waste generated (over 500 tons/day of solid waste);

2. Areas with potential for waste collection and treatment; large landfill sites capable of being used as energy raw materials;

3. Areas close to developed power grid infrastructure, with the ability to connect to existing grids or those planned;

Article 22. Investigation Results

1. Comprehensive report on investigation results, including the contents stipulated in Article 20 of this Circular;

2. Map showing the distribution of potential electric resources from solid urban and household waste and production and business processes waste based on topographic maps published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at appropriate scales, meeting requirements for power development planning and provincial planning;

3. Information and data collected, measured, and surveyed (including samples, paper documents, and digital data).

Section 7
SCOPE OF BASIC INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRIC RESOURCES FROM BIOMASS

Article 23. Content and Level of Investigation

1. Collect and compile information and data; survey, analyze, and evaluate electric resources from biomass:

a) Collect and compile existing information and data on biomass resources;

b) Survey the volume of biomass generated, collected, recovered, reused, and treated annually;

c) Survey and analyze the composition of biomass by proportion and volume;

d) Survey and classify sources of biomass: from agriculture (straw, plant stalks, biogas from livestock farming,...), forestry (wood, branches, leaves,...) and industry (sugar cane bagasse, rice husk, sawdust, shells of various seeds after processing, biogas,...);

đ) Analyze and calculate the calorific value of biomass for each main type and the average calorific value for one ton of biomass; preliminarily assess the amount of heat that can be extracted from biomass and the potential to convert biomass into electricity;

e) Survey and evaluate activities of reusing, recycling, or treating biomass combined with power generation; current status of waste treatment facilities or biomass burning facilities combined with energy recovery and power generation;

g) Summarize, analyze, and forecast the situation of biomass generation, volume, and composition that can be collected, recovered, and treated into energy and electricity;

2. Collect and compile information and data on the current status of waste-to-power plants and operating biomass power plants;

3. Summarize, analyze, and evaluate the potential of electric resources from biomass in the investigation area; delineate regions with prospects for developing electricity from biomass;

Article 24. Investigation Area

Conduct basic investigations of electric resources from biomass throughout the mainland territory, islands, and archipelagos of Vietnam, prioritizing and focusing on the following areas:

1. Key agricultural production zones; areas with large crop by-products;

2. Areas with large forest plantation areas; areas with potential to utilize wood by-products and wood processing residues;

3. Areas with large-scale animal husbandry; concentrated cattle, pig, and poultry farms capable of producing biogas;

4. Industrial and urban areas, including concentrated agricultural and food processing facilities and major cities with high organic waste levels;

Article 25. Investigation Results

1. Comprehensive report on investigation results, including the contents stipulated in Article 23 of this Circular;

2. Map showing the distribution of potential electric resources from biomass based on topographic maps published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at appropriate scales, meeting requirements for power development planning and provincial planning.

3. Information and data collected, measured, and surveyed (including samples, paper documents, and digital data).

Section 8
BASIC INVESTIGATION SCOPE FOR HYDROPOWER RESOURCES

Article 26. Content and Level of Investigation

1. Collecting and compiling information and data on water resources related to hydropower resources:

a) Collecting and compiling information and data on the characteristics of river and stream morphology including information on length; area; curvature; slope; density of rivers and streams; cross-sections of rivers and streams;

b) Collecting and compiling information and data on meteorological and hydrological characteristics including information and factors such as rainfall; evaporation; and flow characteristics of rivers and streams;

c) Collecting and compiling information and data on reservoirs and non-hydropower dams on rivers and streams other than hydropower reservoirs including information on location; parameters such as capacity; water level; operational regime; and mission of the works;

d) For the contents prescribed in points a, b, and c of this clause, if there is insufficient information and data, supplementary surveys and measurements shall be conducted.

2. Collecting and compiling information and data on topography and elevation maps of the investigation area.

3. Collecting and compiling information and data on the current status of hydropower on water sources including information on the location; scale; and capacity of existing hydropower works; works under construction or included in approved plans.

4. Synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating the potential of hydropower resources, including:

a) Evaluating the difference in height between the upstream and downstream points of the flow area;

b) Evaluating the characteristics of water sources including features and changes in annual flow; monthly flow; seasonal flow; daily flow; flood flow; and low flow;

c) Evaluating the current status of hydropower works including the number of works; total power generation capacity;

d) Evaluating the current status of non-hydropower reservoirs and dams to determine hydropower potential;

đ) Analyzing and evaluating the potential of hydropower resources; zoning areas with prospects for hydropower development.

Article 27. Investigation Space

Conduct basic investigations of hydropower resources throughout the mainland territory of Vietnam, according to provincial administrative units or river basins. Prioritize and focus on rivers and streams in midland, mountainous regions, and those with a basin area of 10 km² or more; hydropower and irrigation reservoirs and dams; and other natural reservoirs.

Article 28. Investigation Results

1. A comprehensive report on investigation results, including the contents stipulated in Article 26 of this Circular.

2. Maps showing the distribution of hydropower resource potential based on topographic maps published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at appropriate scales, meeting requirements for electricity development planning and provincial planning.

3. Information and data collected, measured, and surveyed (including paper documents and digital data).

Chapter III
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 29. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from the date of issuance.

Article 30. Responsibility for Implementation

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, and relevant organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. During the implementation of this Circular, if there are difficulties, agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to promptly reflect them to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for consideration and resolution./.