Vietnam’s power grid is facing dual challenges from the strong growth of the digital economy and the development wave of artificial intelligence (AI). Electricity demand, especially from data centers and AI applications, is increasing rapidly, putting great pressure on the national power system. At the same time, the power generation structure is also becoming more diversified with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

In that context, digitalization of the power grid and application of modern technology, including AI, has become an urgent requirement to ensure efficient and sustainable operation.

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Mr. Dong Mai Lam, General Director of Schneider Electric Vietnam and Cambodia, shared at the press conference on the afternoon of September 17. Photo: Organizing Committee

AI data centers consume huge amounts of electricity, from hundreds of MW to gigawatts, many times more than traditional data centers. This requires a long-term energy strategy that focuses not only on providing enough electricity but also on ensuring clean and stable power.

According to the report “Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Market Size & Forecast 2032” by Credence Research, by 2040, AI could contribute more than 130 billion USD to Vietnam's economy.

To meet this potential, preparing energy infrastructure is key. However, investors still have some concerns about power supply, especially the local instability that can occur during peak summer periods. Besides electricity prices, what they care about most is whether the power supply is stable and clean.

To address these challenges, EVN is deploying key technology solutions. Schneider Electric representatives said they are providing a range of digital and software solutions to help EVN optimize grid operations and management. One of the key directions is the deployment of the Distributed Power Management System (DERMS).

This solution allows EVN to efficiently connect and coordinate rapidly growing renewable energy sources, from wind farms, solar power to energy storage systems. Combined with a data analytics and AI platform, the system can forecast, optimize operations and reduce the risk of grid imbalance.

In addition, EVN also prioritizes saving and using energy efficiently. Mr. Dong Mai Lam, General Director of Schneider Electric Vietnam and Cambodia, commented that saving 5% of electricity is easier than adding 5% of capacity to the grid.

In the future, data centers will face two major problems: efficient electricity use (optimizing from design, equipment to operation, combining AI to manage electricity consumption) and clean supply (increasing the proportion of renewable energy, reducing coal power according to Power Plan VIII and considering new energy sources such as nuclear power). This is also consistent with Vietnam's commitment to reduce emissions at COP26.

Dr. Tran Van Khai, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science , Technology and Environment, affirmed that in the next 5 years, many large innovative enterprises in the world will be present in Vietnam. Therefore, fully preparing infrastructure and ecosystem is a prerequisite to anticipate and accompany this development. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for Vietnam to promote digitalization, modernize the power grid, and prepare for a new growth phase associated with the explosion of AI and the digital economy.

Preparing good institutions for AI to become the optimal tool for smart management and production Dr. Tran Van Khai, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly 's Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, said that Vietnam is preparing good institutions for AI to become the optimal tool for smart management and production.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/evn-lam-gi-de-giai-con-khat-nang-luong-tu-ai-va-trung-tam-du-lieu-2443674.html