On the morning of March 10 in Hanoi, Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung attended and delivered opening remarks at the Energy Shaping the Future Forum, which gathered more than 400 senior representatives from regulatory agencies, power companies, suppliers, and partners across Vietnam’s and Asia’s energy ecosystem.

The forum, organized by GE Vernova Inc. (the US), focused on accelerating Vietnam’s energy transition as the country enters a large-scale implementation phase under the revised Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8R). The discussions also highlighted the role of Vietnam’s power sector in shaping Asia’s future energy landscape.

Discussion sessions centered on the next stage of implementing PDP8R from strengthening domestic capacity and integrating supply chains to enhancing system flexibility to accommodate an increasingly diverse power generation mix. The event also showcased the latest advancements in power generation and transmission technologies, along with practical lessons from leading energy markets worldwide.

Sharing his perspective on Vietnam’s energy development, Scott Strazik, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GE Vernova, said Vietnam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, with a dynamic and ambitious transformation of its energy system.

“From supplying high-efficiency HA gas turbine technology to the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants, Vietnam’s first LNG-to-power project to developing manufacturing capacity for High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems to meet the region’s growing electrification needs, what we are contributing extends well beyond Vietnam’s borders,” he said.

“These investments help strengthen supply chains, develop local skills and industrial capacity, while laying the foundation to power economies across Asia and beyond,” he added.

Speaking at the forum, Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung emphasized that the event was held at a particularly important stage in Vietnam - US relations, with growing political trust and economic, trade and investment cooperation continuing to serve as a central pillar of bilateral ties.

“As the head of the industry and trade sector, I place special importance on direct and open dialogue with the US business community, considering it an important policy consultation channel through which both sides can accurately identify opportunities and challenges and shape long-term cooperation orientations,” he said.

As Vietnam’s energy demand continues to grow rapidly alongside the requirements of sustainable development and the global energy transition, the Vietnamese Government is actively implementing policies aimed at developing a modern, green and sustainable energy sector.

As the state management agency responsible for energy, the Ministry of Industry and Trade places great importance on and stands ready to work alongside international enterprises in developing Vietnam’s energy system. In the coming period, the ministry will continue to advise competent authorities on improving the legal framework, enhancing the investment environment and promoting cooperation mechanisms to facilitate deeper participation by enterprises in energy projects in Vietnam.

He also expressed confidence that the forum would provide an important opportunity for regulators, businesses and international organizations to exchange views, share experience and advance new cooperation initiatives, thereby contributing to the development of a sustainable, reliable and efficient energy system for Vietnam in the future.

At the event, GE Vernova announced several key milestones, including the commercial operation of the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants operated by PV Power, with a combined capacity of 1.6GW.

GE Vernova’s 9HA.02 gas turbines and H78 generators have also been selected for three strategic LNG-to-power projects: PV Power’s LNG project, the Hai Phong LNG power plant of VinEnergo, and the Quang Trach II LNG power plant of EVN, totaling six HA gas turbines and six H78 generators.

The company also announced an investment of approximately USD 200 million to build a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission equipment manufacturing plant in Hai Phong to meet rising energy demand across Asia.

In addition, GE Vernova signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to explore and identify potential cooperation opportunities in HVDC technology.