Prime Minister: No power shortage under any circumstances

The Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the State Capital Management Committee to approve quarterly electricity supply scenarios, ensuring no power shortage in the last months of 2023 and 2024.

This direction was stated by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh when concluding the meeting of the Government Standing Committee with ministries and branches on electricity supply on the afternoon of October 28.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, there will be no shortage of electricity in the last 3 months of 2023. However, the Northern power system has low reserve capacity at some points in the last months of the year because thermal power plants must be maintained and prepared for the 2024 power generation plan.

The Government leader requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN), and Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (TKV) to learn from operational experience that caused power shortages in the North in May and June 2023, and to coordinate closely to ensure sufficient electricity for production, business, and people's daily lives.

"There must be no power shortage from now until the end of the year and 2024," said the Prime Minister.

The commitment to not let there be a shortage of electricity for production, business and consumption was also stated by the Government leader when reporting to the National Assembly last week.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the State Capital Management Committee are assigned to approve the electricity supply scenario prepared by EVN for each quarter and period, especially during the dry season months.

"EVN needs to complete the power supply operation scenario to closely follow the growth needs of the economy. The State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises must monitor, inspect, and urge, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade needs to perform well its state management function," the Government leader added.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed at the meeting on electricity supply in the last months of 2023 and 2024, on the afternoon of October 28. Photo: Nhat Bac — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed at the meeting on electricity supply in the last months of 2023 and 2024, on the afternoon of October 28. Photo: *Nhat Bac*

The Ministry of Industry and Trade estimates that the amount of electricity produced and imported in the last quarter of the year will be about 95.6-97.2 billion kWh, an increase of 9.9-11.8% over the same period in 2022. In 2023, the cumulative growth in electricity will be only about 5.1-5.7% over the same period, equivalent to 282-284 billion kWh of electricity produced and imported.

In 2024, the ministry proposed two power supply scenarios based on EVN's calculations. Accordingly, the growth in electricity demand next year is about 8.96%. In case the water flow to hydroelectric reservoirs is normal, the national power system will basically have enough power. However, the North still has to face the situation of peak power stress at some times (from 13-16h, 19h-22h) during the day on hot days.

In extreme cases, low water levels in hydroelectric reservoirs will make it more difficult to supply electricity to the North. It is forecasted that the North may lack 420-1,770 MW of electricity capacity during peak hours in June and July.

Regarding coal sources for electricity production, at the meeting this afternoon, the Prime Minister requested EVN, TKV, and Dong Bac Corporation to closely forecast long-term consumption demand; sign clear agreements in the spirit of maximizing domestic coal resources and limiting imports.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is assigned to work with the Ministry of Finance to complete regulations on wind and solar power purchase prices, ensuring harmony of interests between the State, people and businesses.

Regarding the 500 kV line project, circuit 3, Quang Trach - Pho Noi, to increase electricity supply to the North, the Prime Minister requested ministries, branches and localities to resolve the issue and promptly hand over the site for the project.

He assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to direct ministries and branches to handle difficulties and problems related to electricity supply; in cases beyond authority, report to competent authorities for consideration and decision.

Mr. Minh

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