Critically reviewing the legal framework for renewable energy in developing countries: the case of Vietnam hydropower

Purpose Like in many other developing countries, hydropower in Vietnam plays a pivotal role, yet the current legal framework falls short of the industry’s expectation. This study aims to: bridge the research gap and build theoretical foundation with state-of-the-art evidence; present solutions to policymakers and professional groups in legislation and implementation of renewable energy (RE) projects; and establish a solid starting point for future research. Design/methodology/approach This study combines document analysis and evaluation with thematic synthesis of findings. It collected data from electronic databases, Vietnamese Government platforms, public records, manual searches and legal experts’ opinion. The authors critically analyzed laws, decrees, circulars, decisions and relevant legal documents, iteratively comparing interim findings with other published materials and previous studies, using groupings and clusters techniques. Findings The key results highlight ambiguities in the legal definition of RE, inconsistent regulations on project initiation and development, conflicting requirements and delays in policy approvals. In conjunction with comparative analysis, the study also identifies implications for other developing countries facing the same challenges. Originality/value Policy-based research in Vietnam has not been well developed to support policy-making processes with a limited number of studies on energy issues. This paper fills the gap in knowledge and offers comprehensive values rather than merely an overview. It helps stakeholders in Vietnam and other developing countries, across functional and regulatory sectors, enhance operational efficiency and legal clarity.