In April 2024, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) reported record-breaking figures for peak power demand and daily electricity consumption across the country. The peak power demand reached an all-time high of 47,670 MW on April 27, 2024, while the highest daily electricity consumption was recorded at 993 million kWh on April 26, 2024.
EVN has been flexible in managing power sources, maximizing the output from coal and gas-fired power plants, enhancing power transmission from Central to Northern Vietnam, and operating hydropower plants according to hydrological conditions to retain water for ensuring electricity supply until the end of the dry season in 2024.
The electricity production of the whole system in April reached 26.82 billion kWh, a 14.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Cumulative electricity production in the first four months of 2024 reached 96.16 billion kWh, a 12.4% increase year-on-year.
In terms of investment and construction, EVN and its units started construction on 34 projects and completed 36 power grid projects ranging from 110 kV to 500 kV in the first four months of 2024, including important projects completed in April such as the 220kV Pho Cao substation and its connection, and the second 220kV transformer at Thai Thuy substation.
Additionally, to proactively prepare for power supply in 2024, EVN has updated and submitted the Power Supply and Power System Operation Plan for 2024 and the Power Supply Plan for the peak dry season months (April to July) to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for approval.
Looking ahead to May 2024, the average temperature across Vietnam is expected to be higher than the long-term average by 1.5 – 2.50C, leading to a continued rise in electricity demand. The daily average electricity consumption of the whole system is forecast to reach 913.6 million kWh/day, a 12.24% increase year-on-year, with a possible peak power demand of 49,000 MW, and up to 24,500 MW in the Northern region alone.
To ensure a stable and reliable power supply to the National Power System, especially in the Northern region during the peak dry season months of 2024, EVN has directed all units to strictly adhere to the Prime Minister’s Dispatch No. 38/CD-TTg dated April 15, 2024, and other directives from the Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This includes the continued flexible operation of power sources, with hydropower plants adjusting their operations according to water availability to retain water for electricity generation until the end of the dry season.
EVN will closely monitor meteorological and hydrological conditions, fuel availability, generator availability, and load growth to promptly update and adjust the operation plan accordingly. The Power Corporations/Power Companies will keep a weekly track of production and business activities and be ready with electricity supply scenarios, while continuing to implement Directive No. 20 on energy conservation and electricity saving.
The Power Generation Corporations and power plants will maintain close coordination with the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN), the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (VINACOMIN), the Northeast Corporation, and other power source investors to ensure an adequate fuel supply for power generation according to the system’s requirements.
The National Power Transmission Corporation and the Power Corporations will proactively detect, repair, and prevent power grid incidents, enhancing reliability and reducing power losses. They will also strengthen supervision and ensure compliance with operating disciplines.
In terms of investment and construction in May 2024, EVN will continue to urge units to focus their resources on key power source and grid projects. For the Ialy Hydropower Plant Expansion Project, EVN will oversee the receipt and installation of electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical equipment in parallel with the construction progress to ensure the plant’s operation in 2024. For the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant Project, EVN will finalize the third technical design based on the appraisal results for submission to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. EVN will also expedite capital arrangement procedures for the Tri An Hydropower Plant Expansion Project and the Bac Ai Pumped-Storage Power Plant Project to commence construction soon.
EVN will concentrate its resources on the construction of the 500 kV power line, the third circuit from Quang Trach to Pho Noi, and continue working with local authorities on compensation and site clearance for the remaining anchor points.
EVN is expediting the completion of power grid projects to enhance electricity imports from Laos, including the 220kV Nam Sum – Nong Cong power line project and the first phase of the 220kV Dak Ooc substation project.
