The Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade proposed solutions to address the risk of electricity shortages.

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An, the Prime Minister has met with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and instructed them to ensure electricity supply by all means.

How to respond to the risk of power shortages?

The proposed solutions include ensuring the operation of power plants and resolving unit malfunctions; ensuring sufficient fuel for power generation, primarily by supplying coal and oil; mobilizing gas fuel sources; regulating hydropower reservoirs rationally; thoroughly saving electricity; and promptly agreeing on prices to integrate wind and solar power into the grid.

The main concerns about electricity supply are concentrated in the North...

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade's forecast, electricity demand in the coming days will be higher than the approved plan, potentially reaching 830 million kWh/day. However, with the rainy season entering the South, electricity demand will soon stabilize. Therefore, concerns about electricity supply are primarily focused on the North...

"However, if we ensure that the generating units are trouble-free, operating well, have sufficient fuel, regulate reservoirs properly, and save electricity effectively, then we will overcome the difficulties in electricity supply," Mr. An said.

In addition, Mr. An also stated: "An equally important measure is for agencies, units, businesses, and the people to thoroughly conserve electricity. This is the last resort, but it is an extremely important solution to ensure energy security."

In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade also directed EVN to urgently negotiate prices and provisional prices for transitional projects and renewable energy projects, and to expedite the completion of legal procedures for connection to the power grid.

The provisional price for these projects is 50% of the price framework for transitional renewable energy projects set by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade's electricity price framework, the purchase price for electricity from transitional projects ranges from 1,508 to 1,816 VND per kWh, while the provisional price for these projects is approximately 754 to 908 VND per kWh (excluding VAT).

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as of May 26th, 52 out of 85 solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3,155 MW (accounting for 67%) had submitted applications to EVN. Of these, 42 plants are currently negotiating electricity prices with EVN; 36 plants have proposed a temporary electricity price equal to 50% of the price range as a basis for mobilization.

“Currently, 16 projects have registered for grid connection, and 5 projects have completed all necessary paperwork and are eligible for commercial power generation. The total capacity of the 5 power plants is 351MW and will be connected and operational next week. This figure is still far too low compared to reality,” Mr. An said.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade's calculations, there are still 33 power plants with a total capacity of 1,581 MW that have not submitted negotiation documents (accounting for approximately 33%). In addition, many investors have violated legal regulations regarding planning, land, and construction investment, thus failing to meet legal procedures and therefore unable to negotiate prices with EVN.

"Therefore, we urge investors to make every effort to complete the legal procedures so that commercial operation can begin soon. We haven't yet determined whether there will be power outages, but we are still prepared for more extreme scenarios," Deputy Minister Dang Hoang An said.

Why is there a power shortage?

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An, this year the water levels in all hydropower reservoirs have decreased by more than 50% compared to the same period in previous years.

The electricity supply situation has at times been complicated.

Specifically, 13 out of 47 hydropower reservoirs nationwide, belonging to EVN and other investors, have reached or are below the dead water level (total capacity approximately 4500 MW). These include large EVN reservoirs such as Lai Chau , Tri An, Ialy, Ban Chat, Huoi Quang, Trung Son, Buon Kuop, Buon Tua Srah, Srepok 3, and Song Ba Ha.

The remaining electricity output in the entire system is 4.5 billion kWh, 1.6 billion kWh lower than planned and 4.1 billion kWh lower than the same period in 2022. During the peak hot months of May, June, and July, especially during peak electricity consumption hours, the risk of electricity shortages is imminent.

According to Mr. Dang Hoang An, the northern region is currently experiencing high temperatures, leading to a huge demand for electricity, especially for air conditioning.

“ The load in the first four months of the year was relatively light, but the load in May reached 818 million kWh/day. In the past week alone, electricity consumption was the highest, reaching 44,666 MW, an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, May 19th set a record of 923.9 million kWh. In this context, the electricity supply situation is also complicated ,” Mr. An analyzed.

Further explaining the reasons for the power shortage, Mr. An said that, along with the increased demand for electricity in production, business, and consumption, EVN is also facing difficulties because some large-capacity power generators are undergoing lengthy repairs that have not yet been completed.

“ Currently, four generating units with a total capacity of over 2000 kW/h are undergoing repairs that are not yet complete, including: one unit at Nghi Son 2 power plant; one unit at Vung Ang 1; one unit at Pha Lai; and one unit at Cam Pha. This is the reason why the electricity shortage is becoming increasingly severe ,” Mr. An informed.

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Source: https://vtc.vn/thu-truong-cong-thuong-neu-giai-phap-ung-pho-nguy-co-thieu-dien-ar785510.html