Thermal power slumps as renewable energy soars 180 percent
According to Vietnam Electricity (EVN), in the first quarter of this year, electricity mobilized from
Overcoming difficulties
According to EVN, in July 2022, the prolonged intense heat in the northern region led to a sharp increase in electricity consumption, occasionally overloading the power grid. Electricity consumption set new highs with a consumption capacity of up to 22,800 MW - about 1900 MW higher than the peak period in the region last year.
The accumulated output of Vietnam’s power production system in the first seven months of 2022 reached 158.02 billion kWh, up 4.2 percent over the same period last year. Coal-fired power still plays a key role, accounting for 40.5 percent of the system’s output, followed by hydropower at 33.3 percent, gas turbines at 11 percent, renewable energy at 14 percent, and imported electricity one percent. During the seven-month period, EVN’s power production reached 72.94 billion kWh, accounting for 46.16 percent of the country’s power production system.
The increase in input fuel prices (coal, oil, gas) since the beginning of the year has also burdened EVN’s finances.
In the first seven months, EVN and its units started 75 projects and completed energizing and putting into operation 57 power grid projects of 110-500kV. Among these are energizing the 3rd circuit of the 500kV transmission line Vung Ang-Quang Trach and a number of substations like the 220kV Chu Se substation, the 110kV Lao Cai 2 and Kim Dong 2 substations, and installing transformers at 110kV Binh Vang, Ky Son, Phu Bai 2 Industrial Park and Dak Song substations.
As for power sources, the construction of the expanded Ialy hydropower plant has exceeded the set plan. However, site clearance of some other key projects has faced obstacles that remain to be resolved.
EVN makes efforts to ensure safe and stable power supply
Optimal operation
From now until the end of the year, EVN targets the supply of safe and continuous power to serve the country’s socioeconomic development and residents’ daily use and gradually ease the group’s financial difficulties.
The group will mobilize hydropower plants at maximum capacity in accordance with the instructions of the central and local steering committees for natural disaster prevention and control, while thermal and gas turbine power production will be mobilized according to demand of the power system.
The group will also continue to focus on construction of the expanded Ialy hydropower plant, Quang Trach 1 thermal power plant, and the Phuoc Thai 2 and Phuoc Thai 3 solar power plants. Regarding the power grid, it is preparing to start construction of the Vinh Yen 500kV substation, the 220kV Nghi Son Economic Zone, Pac Ma substations and the Pac Ma-Muong Te 220kV transmission line.
EVN’s power corporations and companies continue to ensure power supply in the dry season, and prepare human resources and facilities to promptly respond to natural disasters, storms and floods, as well as local overloads.
Thu Huong & Dinh Dung
