Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade: The North will no longer have power shortages from now until the end of the year

Mr. Do Thang Hai, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, said that electricity supply to the North has been less tense since the end of June and "there will be no shortage of electricity from now until the end of the year".

This information was stated by the leader of the Ministry of Industry and Trade when answering the press at the Government press conference on the afternoon of July 4.

According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, electricity production and import in June is estimated at more than 25.3 billion kWh, 3.4% higher than the same period in 2022. In the first 6 months of the year, electricity production and import was more than 136 billion kWh, up 2.2% over the same period last year.

Deputy Minister Do Thang Hai acknowledged that electricity supply in May and early June was difficult due to severe heat, unfavorable hydrology, increased electricity demand and low water levels in hydropower reservoirs. These factors forced EVN to conduct rotating power cuts in some northern localities. Operating the national power system, especially in the North, in early July remained difficult due to prolonged heat, and water levels in hydropower reservoirs improved but remained low.

A representative of the Ministry of Industry and Trade said that they have requested EVN to closely follow the operating conditions of the system and the electricity market; and proactively prepare scenarios to respond to difficulties in electricity supply as well as adjust the load if necessary.

However, Deputy Minister Do Thang Hai affirmed that "there will be no shortage of electricity to serve business production and people's daily life from now until the end of the year".

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai. Photo: Hoang Phong — Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai. Photo: *Hoang Phong*

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (Ministry of Industry and Trade) also said today that the water flow to hydroelectric reservoirs in the Northern region has improved . The current water level of Son La, Lai Chau , Tuyen Quang, and Ban Chat reservoirs is 12-27 m higher than the dead water level. In particular, Huoi Quang and Thac Ba reservoirs have a water threshold 0.9-2 m higher than the dead water level because the water flow to these reservoirs in recent days has been very low.

It is expected that in the coming time, the water flow to the lakes will increase and ensure electricity supply with an average demand of 421-425 million kWh per day. In the extreme case of no flood, the Northern region can still use the remaining water in the lakes combined with the natural water flow to the lakes to meet the load demand, however, the ability to store water will be difficult.

In recent days, the Northern region has been facing increased heat, expected to last until July 12. The peak of the heat will be on July 6-8, with the highest temperature reaching 39-40 degrees Celsius. It is expected that the average electricity demand in the North will reach 440 million kWh from July 2-12, with the highest day being about 470 million kWh per day.

The National Load Dispatch Center (A0) said it will increase the exploitation of Lai Chau Lake in the coming days to raise the water level of Son La Lake to increase available capacity. The dispatch agency will also exploit Tuyen Quang Lake to support the regional grid. In addition, Hoa Binh Lake will operate to meet the load of the North during the upcoming hot days.

Deputy Minister Do Thang Hai proposed four immediate solutions to overcome the power shortage and power outage in the North, including providing enough fuel, maximally overcoming problems at thermal power plants; properly operating hydropower plants and increasing electricity savings.

In the long term, Mr. Hai said it is necessary to speed up investment in power source and grid projects to meet electricity demand.

Since late May, Hanoi and many localities in the North have experienced days of power shortages due to soaring demand during the hot season. Hydropower, one of the two main sources of power supply for the North, has seen a decrease in mobilization due to drought. Some thermal power plants have had prolonged problems, with about 2,100 MW of unmobilized capacity.

Mr. Minh

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