This paper examines the major barriers to the deployment of geothermal, small hydro and advanced coal power generation technologies in Vietnam. It ranks their severity by applying the analytical hierarchy process to data from a survey of 37 domestic experts and stakeholders. Key barriers to a wider penetration of small hydro generation technologies are insufficient capital, a lack of domestic suppliers and unsatisfactory government policies. Barriers to geothermal power are related to information and awareness problems, a lack of R&D and industrial capability, a weak policy framework and the remoteness of geothermal sites. For advanced coal power technologies, the barriers are weak industrial capability, high cost and a lack of technical knowledge. The experts consulted in this study view changes in government actions as the key to overcoming the abovementioned barriers. They recommend investing more in R&D activities, improving R&D capacity through joint-venture schemes and reforming investment policy/legislation for the electric power industry as the most appropriate solutions.