Sharp drop in electricity consumption forced to stop 1,000 MW of coal and gas power, hydropower continued to discharge 15,600 MW

Information from the National Electricity System and Market Operator (NSMO) has just been released, the electricity consumption demand of the entire national electricity system continues to remain at a low level, especially on weekends.

Hydropower plant operates flood discharge of nearly 16,000 MW, nearly equal to the total capacity of the entire system - Photo: LE TRUNG

Specifically, on November 22, the average electricity consumption reached 816 million kWh, 34 million kWh lower than the working day of the week (equivalent to about 96%). Maximum capacity: 42,875 MW at 5:45 p.m.

Electricity consumption dropped sharply over the weekend

On November 23, the average electricity consumption decreased to only 735 million kWh, 115 million kWh lower than the working day of the week (equivalent to about 86%). The maximum capacity of the system reached 39,990 MW at 5:55 p.m.

On November 22 and 23, the average power generation structure was as follows: hydropower: 345 million kWh (accounting for 44%); coal-fired thermal power: 259 million kWh (accounting for 33%); combined gas turbine thermal power: 50 million kWh (6%); biomass power: 3 million kWh (0.5%).

In addition, wind power sources: 83 million kWh (11%); solar power: 22 million kWh (3%); rooftop solar power: 7 million kWh (1%); other sources: 8 million kWh (1%). Oil-fired sources are not mobilized.

Faced with the above situation of reduced electricity consumption, during the weekend, NSMO has calculated to stop the backup of a number of coal-fired thermal power plants and gas turbines (with a total capacity of nearly 1,000 MW) to optimize the mobilization of discharged hydropower sources and renewable energy sources.

However, the power system must restart the replacement generators and connect to the grid on November 24 to ensure meeting the system's peak load.

Due to the impact of prolonged heavy rains, the number of reservoirs releasing water continues to remain high. As of November 24, the number of reservoirs releasing water remains at 81/122, a decrease of 4 compared to November 21 (of which the North: 24 reservoirs, the Central: 44 reservoirs, the South: 13 reservoirs).

The total capacity of hydroelectric reservoirs discharged is up to nearly 15,600 MW (out of a total of 19,600 MW of hydroelectric power in the entire system). The large amount of discharged capacity is due to the regulated discharge of hydroelectric reservoirs in the North such as Son La (2,400 MW), Lai Chau (1,200 MW), Hoa Binh (1,920 MW)...

Urgently restore power supply to people in Central Vietnam

Many areas in the Central Highlands have recorded local power outages due to the impact of floods and rains. NSMO and regional dispatchers are continuing to coordinate with units to urgently restore power to lost loads.

As of 3:00 p.m. on November 24, total lost/restored load: 473.1/450.8 MW (~95%). Of which, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang , and Quang Ngai areas have been completely restored.

Load in some provinces is recovering. Including: Gia Lai still has Dong Da, Long My, An Nhon, Nhon Tan, Phuoc Son; Dak Lak still has Dong Xuan, An My, Song Cau, Tuy An, Tuy Hoa, Tuy Hoa 2, Krong Ana, Eakar, Krong Bong areas; Khanh Hoa still has Dien Khanh, Tay Nha Trang, Nam Nha Trang, Dien Lac areas; old Ninh Thuan still has Bac Ai Tay area. Currently, the grid and power source have also been completely restored.

According to NSMO, implementing the Prime Minister's telegram and the direction of the Ministry of Industry and Trade on overcoming consequences, restoring production and business, stabilizing people's lives after floods in the South Central region, in order to ensure load restoration to meet production and business, people's lives, and quickly stabilize the situation after storms and floods, NSMO and the Regional Dispatch Center have been, are and continue to closely coordinate with regional power companies and hydropower plants.

Focusing on flexibly operating reservoirs, ensuring the safety of hydroelectric reservoirs; handling incidents, restoring safe and early power supply to customers; closely monitoring floods and rains, adjusting appropriate operating methods; flexibly mobilizing power sources to meet system needs, ensuring safe operation of the power system; ensuring power system safety in the context of complex weather developments.

NGOC AN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tieu-thu-dien-giam-manh-phai-ngung-1-000-mw-dien-than-va-khi-thuy-dien-tiep-tuc-xa-15-600-mw-20251125094300612.htm