The total electricity production and import of the entire national power system in the first 6 months of 2023 is estimated at 25.323 billion kWh, 3.4% higher than the same period in 2022. In the first 6 months of 2023, the total electricity production and import of the entire national power system is estimated at 136.090 billion kWh (including rooftop solar power output sold to the system), 2.2% higher than the same period in 2022, reaching 47.8% of the 2023 plan (284.5 billion kWh).

Scene of the press conference. Photo: Vietnam+

In the first 4 months of the year, the implementation was basically good, ensuring enough electricity demand for production and people's lives nationwide. However, due to the difficult situation of electricity supply from May and June due to prolonged hot weather, increased electricity consumption and unfavorable hydrological conditions. Water flow to hydroelectric reservoirs was low, especially in the North which depends heavily on hydropower.

Along with the difficulties in operating and repairing power plants, the electricity supply situation has been affected. Therefore, Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) has had to reduce electricity and conduct rotating power cuts in some localities, especially in the Northern region.

Deputy Minister Do Thang Hai informed about electricity supply in the last 6 months of the year. Photo: Vietnam+

  In the last 10 days of June, the water flow to hydroelectric reservoirs increased, the water level in the reservoirs rose rapidly, and some generators with problems were promptly resolved. Along with that, under the close direction of the Government, the Prime Minister and ministries, branches; including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Northern power system has basically met the load demand.

According to Deputy Minister Do Thang Hai, it can be seen that the operation of the power system in July still has difficulties, especially for the power system in the North when the weather is forecast to continue with prolonged heat waves, while the water level of hydroelectric reservoirs has improved but remains low.

Therefore, implementing the direction of the Government and the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed and requested EVN to closely follow and continuously update the actual developments of the weather situation and operating conditions of the power system and electricity market, ensuring safe, stable and reliable operation and supply of electricity to the national power system.

At the same time, proactively develop response scenarios for difficult situations in the power system. In case of unusual impacts on ensuring power supply security, promptly report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and competent authorities for consideration.

On the other hand, direct and coordinate with electricity customers, especially large customers, to prepare scenarios and plans to implement the electricity load adjustment program when necessary to ensure the security of the electricity system and must synchronously implement the 4 solutions.

Specifically, providing enough raw materials for thermal power plants, increasing the ability to minimize incidents and quickly fix incidents if any; operating hydropower sources reasonably; doing a good job of saving electricity and especially the role of the People's Committees of provinces and cities nationwide and the focal point is the Department of Industry and Trade; speeding up the investment progress of power source and grid projects.

Based on forecasts and calculations, the Ministry of Industry and Trade believes that from now until the end of 2023, there will basically be no shortage of electricity to serve domestic production and daily life.

VNA