No power shortage under any circumstances: Minister

According to the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), in the first three months of this year, the demand for electricity in the entire system reached 11.77 percent, higher than initial forecasts with high growth recorded in sectors, such as industry - construction (up 12.4 percent); agriculture (up 17 percent); trade - hotel - restaurant (up 14.6 percent).

At the meeting on power supply and operation plans of the national power system during peak dry season months in 2024 - photo: Du Ca

During the period, the electricity supply for production, business and daily use was well guaranteed thanks to proactive and flexible directions, as well as constant supervision from the government, the MoIT, localities, and power generation units under Vietnam Electricity (EVN). However, in the context of this year’s heat waves being forecast to come early, the MoIT recently held a working session with EVN, Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN), Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (TKV), Dong Bac Corporation, and related agencies under the MoIT to review the power supply and operation plans of the national power system during the peak dry season months in 2024.

Leaders of EVN said that difficulties in the operation of power systems are forecast during peak months (from April to July), especially in the northern region. Therefore, related units and agencies need to actively implement solutions to ensure the availability of power sources and reduce the peak load of the systems. Representatives of PVN, TKV and Dong Bac Corporation committed themselves to creating maximum conditions for supplying coal and gas for power generation.

Solutions to ensure power supply

At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien directed relevant units and agencies to strictly implement a number of directives issued by the Prime Minister and the MoIT as well as decisions and plans on ensuring electricity supply, coal and gas supply for electricity production in 2024.

Electricians check the operation of a power transmission system to ensure safe and stable electricity supply - photo: VGP

The minister demanded thermal power plants to provide sufficient and stable coal for power generation. “Under no circumstances should there be electricity shortages,” he said. Regarding power generation from hydroelectric plants, he asked related units to coordinate more closely to ensure harmoniously water supply to downstream areas and power generation, not letting hydroelectric reservoirs’ water levels lower than the dead water levels before the flood season.

The minister also urged EVN and PVN to carry out several major tasks, especially providing proposals concerning mechanisms and policies for development of offshore windpower and gas power projects. He required EVN to develop monthly electricity supply plans to suit actual situations; and mobilize power sources, especially hydropower sources during peak hours to meet electricity load demand. He also asked PVN, TKV and Dong Bac Corporation to strengthen coordination with EVN and related units in coal and gas supply for power plants according to plans and signed contracts among related parties, promote coal import and mining to ensure sufficient supply for power production.