Vietnam says enough power available this summer

Vietnam is brushing aside concerns crippling power shortages could hits its economy this summer.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Nam Hai said there will be sufficient power to meet demand during the season from January to June. His optimism is based on the addition of more power turbines and improved operation of existing hydro-power plants.

Vietnam is heavily dependent on hydropower for electricity. Hydropower accounts for about 40% of total domestic power supply, hence the concerns about power shortages in the dry season.

The government said a fifth turbine at the Son La hydro-power plant will come online late April while the first turbine of the Dong Nai 4 hydro-power plant is gearing up for operations after a test last week.

Two gas pipelines have also been upgraded to ensure a stable power supply during the dry season. It also held with the Electricity of Viet Nam, the Viet Nam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) and the Viet Nam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) to review power supply plans.

This year, to meet power demands, EVN plans to produce 105.2 billion kWh (about 12% higher than last year) and import 4.62 billion kWh from China.

The group also plans to add eight hydropower plant generators with a total capacity of 1,373MW.