Develop regulations on electricity generation service prices of battery storage systems

(Chinhphu.vn) - The Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting a Circular regulating the method of determining the price of electricity generation services of battery storage systems (BESS) and the main contents of the electricity purchase and sale contract, based on the 2024 Electricity Law and practical requirements in the process of implementing the adjusted Power Plan VIII.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting a Circular regulating the method of determining the price of electricity generation services of battery storage systems (BESS) - Illustrative photo

According to the adjusted Power Plan VIII approved by the Prime Minister in April 2025, the battery storage system will be developed to serve the system's needs and combine renewable energy, distributed near wind and solar power centers or on the power system at load centers. By 2030, it is expected to reach a capacity of about 10,000 - 16,300 MW and by 2050 it can reach more than 95,983 MW to match the high proportion of renewable energy.

BESS battery storage is a type of electrical energy storage, charging and discharging to generate electricity when the power system needs it, playing an important role in load balancing and ensuring stable operation of the power system. With different technical characteristics and functions compared to traditional power plants, centralized BESS battery storage systems need a different electricity price mechanism compared to traditional power plants.

Recently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Circular No. 09/2025/TT-BCT and Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BCT stipulating the method of electricity generation price framework and determining electricity generation price for storage battery systems combined with renewable energy implemented by solar power plant owners according to the provisions of the adjusted Power Plan VIII (concentrated solar projects must install storage batteries with a minimum capacity equal to 10% of the project's installed capacity, stored for 2 hours).

For battery storage systems invested by EVN's power corporations as a means of grid control, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Circular 17/2025/TT-BCT regulating the method of recovering this cost.

Thus, in the case of a BESS battery storage system with a separate investment focus, there must be an electricity price mechanism to attract investment. The draft Circular stipulates the method for determining the price of electricity generation services of the BESS battery storage system; the main content of the power purchase contract proposes to apply a two-component price mechanism including: Capacity price, calculated according to the availability and readiness level of electricity generation of the BESS system and electricity price, depending on the actual electricity output. This mechanism is similar to the mechanism for pumped storage hydropower plants that are currently being developed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The development of this Circular aims to ensure a transparent and public electricity price mechanism, in accordance with current legal regulations, and to create favorable conditions for attracting investment, supporting the safe and efficient operation of the power system and improving the quality of electricity.

Anh Tho

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/xay-dung-quy-dinh-ve-gia-dich-vu-phat-dien-cua-he-thong-pin-luu-tru-102250822114707873.htm