Is there a concern about electricity shortages this year?

According to Mr. Nguyen The Huu, Deputy Director of the Electricity Department ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), in order to ensure sufficient electricity for socio-economic development and achieve an economic growth target of 8% or more, the projected electricity load growth for the whole year of 2025 must reach 12.2% compared to 2024.

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Based on an estimated commercial electricity output of approximately 300.9 billion kWh (with a contingency plan of up to 305.6 billion kWh to meet high growth scenarios), the peak load capacity of the entire system is expected to reach 54,510 MW (an increase of 11.35% compared to 48,950 MW in 2024).

Basically, the Ministry of Industry and Trade assesses that the electricity supply in 2025 has been relatively well prepared by the relevant units. People have also actively participated in saving electricity.

“In 2024, electricity demand increased by nearly 10%, but peak load capacity only increased by more than 7%. This is a sign that people and businesses have become more aware of shifting non-essential electricity needs away from high-demand hours. This contributes to reducing pressure on electricity supply, creating conditions for the power system to operate more efficiently and economically ,” Mr. Huu said.

However, due to the continued high demand during the dry season, the power system still faces potential risks to the balance of electricity supply and demand, especially in the North and South. Furthermore, unpredictable and irregular weather patterns, along with fluctuations in the international environment, could significantly impact Vietnam in general and electricity supply assurance in particular.

According to Vo Quang Lam, Deputy General Director of EVN Power Corporation: The cool weather at the beginning of the year has resulted in a slow increase in electricity demand. In the first quarter, commercial electricity output reached 63.645 billion kWh, an increase of approximately 4.43% compared to the same period last year.

However, the trend of increasing electricity demand continues during the upcoming dry and hot season. In recent days, the whole country, especially the North and South, has been experiencing a heatwave with temperatures in many localities reaching 38 degrees Celsius. This has led to a surge in electricity demand, especially for household use and cooling.

"This puts considerable pressure on the national power system, from power generation and transmission to electricity distribution," Mr. Lam said.

According to Mr. Lam, EVN has proactively developed electricity supply scenarios suitable for all situations - including when electricity demand grows by 12-13% - in order to ensure national energy security.

"The group's goal for 2025 is to start construction on 208 projects; and complete the energization of 281 power grid projects from 110 - 500kV. Currently, EVN is implementing 10 power generation projects, with a total capacity of approximately 8,800 MW. The focus is on completing key projects such as: the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant expansion, the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant, the Lao Cai - Vinh Yen 500kV transmission line, the Nho Quan - Phu Ly - Thuong Tin 500/220kV transmission line, and the national grid power line for Con Dao district...", Mr. Lam informed.

"However, to ensure electricity supply during the hot season, we cannot rely solely on the efforts of the power sector, but need the companionship, sharing, and close coordination from the people, businesses, and the entire society," Mr. Lam emphasized.

Meanwhile, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien recently instructed relevant departments, bureaus, and businesses to ensure the absolute safety of electricity supply for the national economy, especially during the dry season months.

Dr. Ngo Tuan Kiet, Director of the Institute of Energy Technology, also expressed optimism about electricity supply this year.

According to Mr. Kiet, many power projects will be completed soon, such as Nhon Trach 3-4, Vung Ang 2, and Quang Trach. In addition, the Hoa Binh 2 Hydropower Plant expansion is also being urgently constructed and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Furthermore, during peak periods of hot weather, it is becoming increasingly common for people to proactively develop their own self-generated and self-consumed electricity sources.

"Given the above factors, I believe the risk of power shortages is unlikely, or if it does occur, it will only be localized due to overload and will not be significant. However, we should not be complacent. The power sector must still proactively prepare contingency plans for all situations, and consumers also need to raise their awareness of saving electricity," Mr. Kiet said.

According to VTC News

Source: https://baobacgiang.vn/nam-nay-co-lo-thieu-dien--postid417278.bbg