In the meeting, referring to the local power shortage in 2023, the Prime Minister emphasized that this year, we must focus on the operation and strengthen the power transmission capacity; intensify the inspection, examination, and urging, and not wait until “the water reaches the feet before jumping”. The reports and opinions at the meeting assessed that in the past, the Government, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the field have continuously directed synchronously, comprehensively, and comprehensively, requiring relevant ministries, sectors, agencies, and localities to implement specific tasks and solutions to ensure sufficient power supply; The Prime Minister also directly inspected and urged the implementation of many electricity projects and power grid projects.
BUILDING AN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PLAN FOR PEAK MONTHS
The electricity demand during the dry season (May to July) is forecasted to grow very high (up to 13%, much higher than the plan of about 9.6%), the North alone is expected to reach a record increase of 17% compared to the same period in 2023.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in the context of unfavorable hydrological developments in the first three months of the year, to achieve the goal of maximizing the saving of hydropower reservoir water, thermoelectric sources, especially coal thermal power, have been mobilized to meet the load demand; At the same time, increasing the transmission of electricity from the South and Central regions to the North.
Electricity demand increased higher than forecast, but the national power system has met the actual electricity consumption needs in the first three months of the year, especially during the Tet holiday and the Lunar New Year. In the first quarter of 2024, the cumulative electricity output reached 69.34 billion kWh, an increase of 11.77% over the same period in 2023; Average daily electricity output reached 762 million kWh, up 10.4% over the same period in 2023.
To ensure electricity supply in 2024, especially during the peak dry season, since November 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has coordinated with the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) and relevant ministries, sectors and units to develop a power supply plan for 2024; building electricity distribution options; scripting to balance electricity output; balance the capacity of power plants; implementing solutions for operating power plants; promote investment projects in building electricity works.
Also at the meeting, the Vietnam Electricity Group, the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, and the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industries Group reported on the operation of power plants, measures to ensure the stable operation of plants, especially no maintenance and repair schedules during the dry, hot months.
Corporations and corporations in the oil, gas, and coal sectors also committed to ensuring sufficient fuel supply for electricity production. For example, the Coal and Mineral Industry Group plans to supply about 42 million tons of coal for electricity production in 2024, an increase of about 1.735 million tons compared to the chart of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The Oil and Gas Group/PVGas has actively sought LNG supply sources and agreed with EVN to supply about 500 million kWh of LNG to the power system, equivalent to 100 million m3 of LNG during the peak dry season. months in April-May 2024.
DO NOT BE SHORT OF ELECTRICITY FOR PRODUCTION, BUSINESS AND CONSUMPTION
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that the demand for electricity for production, business and consumption has increased, which is a positive sign because it shows that the socio-economy has developed, contributing to growth.
“The reports and opinions at the meeting show that the basic power source is not lacking, fuel is met; However, it is necessary to operate appropriately, intelligently, seamlessly, and effectively with comprehensive solutions, diversify power sources, urgently complete power transmission lines, and urgently remove related legal obstacles,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
With the goal of not letting a shortage of electricity for production, business, and consumption in any circumstance or situation, especially due to subjective reasons from the operation, the Prime Minister request, ministries, sectors, localities, enterprises, relevant subjects based on their functions, tasks, and authority must develop response plans to all situations, including the worst-case scenario.
Along with that, promote the highest responsibility, maintain composure, stay calm in the face of difficulties and challenges; forecast and assess closely the situation and response capabilities, review the data to ensure accuracy; propose flexible, reasonable, timely, and effective tasks and solutions.
Do not let people and businesses worry about electricity, the Prime Minister emphasized and clarified the tasks and solutions for each stage in ensuring electricity supply, including: Power source, electricity transmission, electricity distribution, electricity consumption, and electricity prices.
Regarding the source, it is necessary to calculate to ensure electricity sources for all regions, noting the peak months in the North (May, June, July, especially the expected load increase in June by about 2,500 MW). Diversify electricity sources, review all available sources, and promote major electricity sources.
To ensure fuel (coal, water, oil, gas) for electricity production, coal-fired thermal power plants buy as much domestically produced coal as possible, and minimize the purchase of imported coal (this helps promote domestic production and business activities, while creating livelihoods). , create jobs for people, and save foreign currency in the current context, as well as prevent negativity).
Coal corporations and corporations boost maximum exploitation. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development coordinates with electricity reservoir operation agencies to save water and keep the water level as high as possible to meet the peak months. The Oil and Gas Group ensures the supply of gas and oil for electricity production.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade develops a monthly electricity supply plan; Directs the operation of power plants to ensure overall balance and overall benefits, as well as ensure the minimum capacity of power plants.
Regarding the mechanism, electricity purchase and sale policy, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and related agencies urgently complete and submit it to the competent authorities to issue a mechanism and policy for the direct purchase and sale of electricity between generating units and large electricity consumers; Mechanism to encourage the development of rooftop solar power installed in houses, public agencies, and industrial parks for self-production and self-consumption; mechanism and policy for the development of offshore, coastal wind power and electricity; policy with waste electricity, biomass electricity…
Regarding electricity transmission, the Prime Minister requested that in the immediate future, the 500 kV circuit 3 line be completed, each step be reviewed, progress be ensured, and the completion date must be before June 30; Proposed that the leaders of the provinces strengthen inspection, urging, and motivation, and the staff and workers at the construction site work through holidays and holidays.
The Prime Minister specifically directed some contents related to the construction of towers, lines, and corridors of the 500 kV circuit 3 line, especially reviewing to increase the use of domestic products, and promoting domestic production.
Along with that, strive to complete the transmission projects to import electricity from Laos in May 2024, such as Dak Ooc Cut-off Station, 200 kV Nam Sum – Nong Cong line…
Related localities quickly clear the site, ensure the corridor for the power transmission lines.
The Prime Minister asked for the allocation of electricity reasonably, especially during the peak hot season; Use electricity sparingly and efficiently.
Regarding electricity prices, the Prime Minister requested that agencies and units implement according to regulations and authority, with an appropriate roadmap, and not “jerky”; Electricity industry promotes cost saving, strengthens application of digital transformation, increases competitiveness, reduces compliance costs for people and businesses. Electricity prices must be reasonable, have healthy competition and regulation by the State.
