The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has issued Decision No.3477 approving the 2026 national power system operation plan, defining key operational scenarios and electricity supply options for the year.

Setting out electricity supply and operation plans for 2026

On the afternoon of November 28 in Hanoi, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long chaired a meeting on the implementation of the 2026 power system operation plan. Participants included representatives of the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam, the Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group, the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), generation corporations, power corporations, and other related units.

Earlier the same day, MoIT leader Nguyen Hong Dien signed Decision No.3477/QD-BCT to approve the 2026 operation plan. The decision is based on the 2024 Law on Electricity; regulations on system dispatching and operation; the proposal by the National Load Dispatch Center (NSMO) in Document No.3888/NSMO-PT dated November 14, 2025; and recommendations from the Electricity Regulatory Authority.

According to the decision, the 2026 national power system operation plan consists of three scenarios:

First, the baseline scenario (Option 5) in Document No.3888, with total national electricity production and imports reaching 350.007 billion kWh.

Second, the operational scenario (Option 3a), totaling 360.260 billion kWh.

Third, the contingency scenario for the peak dry season (April-July) under Option 4a, with total output estimated at 368.097 billion kWh.

Actual generation output for each power plant will be determined in accordance with regulations on system dispatching, operation, electricity pricing and the power market.

Power generation units must prepare sufficient capacity and primary fuels, including coal, gas and oil, to ensure reliable operation in 2026.

Assigning tasks to relevant units

The decision details responsibilities for each relevant entity.

NSMO is fully accountable for the accuracy of input assumptions and calculations for the 2026 operation plan, and must publicize the approved assumptions and operational content to EVN, the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group, Vinacomin, the Ministry of National Defence’s Corps 19, PV Gas, power plant investors, and related organizations. These units will use the information to develop their production plans.

NSMO must also ensure consistency between the annual plan and monthly, weekly and daily operation plans; closely monitor progress of power and grid projects; and promptly report to the MoIT.

EVN is tasked with upholding its central role in ensuring stable and reliable electricity supply; directing its units to prepare power supply plans during holidays, the Tet period and major political events, notably the 14th National Party Congress and the election of the 16th National Assembly.

EVN must provide NSMO with updated commitments on power purchase agreements and fuel supply, especially for BOT projects; urgently coordinate efforts to resolve issues at the Vung Ang II thermal power plant to bring Unit 2 online before the 2026 dry-season peak; and accelerate key grid projects, including 500 kV lines and substations to release power capacity in the northern region. EVN is also required to strengthen maintenance and monitoring to ensure safe and reliable system operation.

Power corporations must prepare plans for installing battery energy storage systems (BESS), review load forecasts, cooperate with major electricity consumers on demand-response programs, and promote energy saving.

The Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group must strictly comply with MoIT directives on fuel supply for power generation, prioritize gas supply in the event of shortages, and coordinate with EVN and field operators to ensure safe operation of gas-fired power plants.

Vinacomin and Corps 19 must ensure sufficient coal supply under contractual commitments, align mining operations with the 2026 operation plan, and maintain uninterrupted fuel provision to thermal power plants.

Thermal power plant investors must proactively secure fuel reserves, coal, gas and oil, avoiding disruptions, comply with commercial commitments and enhance maintenance to improve unit reliability.

Local Departments of Industry and Trade are tasked with strengthening electricity-saving communication, monitoring local supply conditions and coordinating demand-response programs.

The Petroleum and Coal Department must closely monitor fuel supply and instruct enterprises to meet their obligations while submitting the 2026 fuel supply schedule.

The Department of Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion will continue implementing programs to promote energy efficiency. The Office of the Steering Committee for Key Energy Projects will coordinate to accelerate power and grid projects scheduled for operation in 2026. The Electricity Regulatory Authority is responsible for overseeing BOT contract implementation, monitoring project progress and ensuring safe system operation, especially during national holidays and major events.

The following are several photos taken during the meeting: