Dynamics of household-level energy access in Vietnam during 2002-2014

Abstract

The energy sector in Vietnam, a country in energy transition, plays a vital role in the country’s economic growth and development. In the current paper, we perform a critical analysis of the dynamics of energy access status in Vietnam, using nationally representative household surveys in seven waves from 2002 till 2014. We find that the most important drivers of the household energy transition are income, urbanization, demographic factors, and the geographic variations. In the future, policies on the pace of urbanization and growth of household income will have a significant impact on the rate of the household energy transition. In addition, social policies aimed at providing greater access to higher education may also influence the pace of the transition. A balanced growth model among different geographic regions can also contribute to a more balanced distribution of energy consumption in Vietnam. © 2019, Econjournals. All rights reserved.