Northern Region to Experience 10% Energy Shortage in the Coming Year

According to a report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Northern Vietnam may face an electricity shortage of up to 1,770 megawatts during the dry season in the coming year. This shortage would account for approximately 10% of the region’s total power demand. The report indicates that if hydropower reservoirs continue to experience low water levels, the shortage could range between 420 and 1,770 MW during June and July. The projected figures are based on an estimated 9% increase in electricity demand for the next year.

Experts have previously highlighted the likelihood of power shortages in northern Vietnam due to the absence of new power plants, coupled with an anticipated annual demand growth of around 10%. Nguyen Anh Tuan, a power expert at the Vietnam Energy Association, has stated that coal-fired power plants can only fulfill one-third of the demand until 2030. He further warned that many electricity projects are facing delays, which means they may not become operational until after 2024-2025, increasing the probability of power shortages.

Currently, Northern Vietnam has six major power projects with a combined potential capacity of 4,200 megawatts that are either delayed or suspended. In the first eight months of this year, nationwide power production reached 186.3 billion kilowatt-hours, showing a 2.7% year-on-year increase. Thermal power accounted for 47.3% of the total supply, while hydropower contributed 26%.