12/12 large hydroelectric reservoirs in the North have the 'worst water frequency in the past 100 years'

On May 15, General Director of Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) Tran Dinh Nhan sent a letter to the Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and cities across the country, requesting to promote electricity saving in the dry season and in 2023.

12/12 hồ thủy điện lớn miền Bắc có tần suất nước về 'kém nhất 100 năm qua' - Ảnh 1. — According to EVN, 12/12 large hydroelectric reservoirs in the North have very poor water flow, the lowest in a century.

According to EVN, in 2023, due to the impact of the El Nino phenomenon, heat waves, droughts, and water shortages have seriously affected hydroelectric reservoirs.

Regarding the water level of hydroelectric reservoirs, as of May 11, 11/47 large hydroelectric reservoirs had water levels at "dead water level or near dead water level". Including Lai Chau, Trung Son, Dong Nai 2, Buon Tua Srah, Huong Son, Tri An, Ialy, Song Ba Ha, Xekaman 1, Dakr Tih, Se San 4 hydroelectric plants; 21/47 large hydroelectric reservoirs had remaining capacity of less than 20% such as Son La (2 days full load), Tuyen Quang (2 days), Thac Ba (2 days)... and 16 reservoirs had water levels lower than the minimum water level of the inter-reservoir operation process.

In particular, 12/12 large hydroelectric reservoirs in the Northern region have very poor water flow, the frequency of water flow to many reservoirs is the lowest in the past 100 years, as of May 11.

In April and early May alone, water levels in lakes were only below 50% of the average level of many years, and some lakes were only 20% of the average level of many years, causing a serious water shortage for hydroelectric reservoirs.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment assessed that the El Nino phenomenon will cause the risk of water shortages to continue until the end of the dry season in 2023. The total flow to large reservoirs in the North Central region is forecast to be 15-35% lower, in the Central Central and South Central regions 15-40% lower, and in the Central Highlands 10-25% lower than the average of many years.

"The risk of water shortage during the remaining dry season will be serious," EVN emphasized.

In addition, the demand for electricity is on the rise, especially during the hot seasons and May, June and July. For example, on May 6, the national power system's electricity demand increased to a new record of 895 million kWh, the highest since the beginning of the year and an increase of 12.34% over the same period in May 2022; the maximum consumption capacity reached 43,300 MW, the highest since the beginning of the year and an increase of 9.12% over the same period.

Implementing Directive No. 20 on enhancing electricity saving in the 2020 - 2025 period and Official Dispatch No. 397 dated May 13, 2023 on proactively implementing urgent measures to respond to the risks of heat, drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion of the Prime Minister, EVN requests the Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities to direct the economical and efficient use of electricity in the area. In particular, administrative units save 10% of monthly electricity consumption compared to the same period; schools, hospitals, infirmaries, clinics, and nursing homes save 5% of monthly electricity consumption; public lighting units save 50%; Restaurants, hotels, commercial service establishments, office complexes and apartment buildings must reduce 50% of outdoor advertising lighting capacity at night, comply with regulations on economical and efficient lighting, and be ready to cut and reduce electricity usage upon notice.

Previously, EVN also sent a document to the Ministry of Industry and Trade to direct and consider recommendations to the Prime Minister on electricity saving.

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