MOIT has submitted its fifth statement to the Prime Minister on the eighth national electricity development plan (Plan 8). Plan 8 predicts that 19,000MW more of electricity generated in 2023-2025, including 6,100MW of thermal power (gas- and coal-fired), 4,300MW of hydropower, 4,400MW of onshore wind power, and 1,900MW imported from Laos.

Reports from localities show that four thermal power projects will operate by 2025 with total capacity of 4,670MW (An Khanh, Hiep Phuoc Phase 1, Nhon Trach 3, 4 and Vung Ang 2). In addition, there will also be 176 hydropower projects with total capacity of 2,948MW, and 165 onshore wind power with capacity of 13,919MW. 

“If the electricity generation projects can be implemented as scheduled, Vietnam will have enough,” MOIT stated.

However, the ministry pointed out that there are risks which may affect the project pace, especially thermal power and onshore wind power projects.

MOIT said more sources are needed as well as mew ways of management to put the 500KV transmission line linking the north central region and the north (Quang Trach –Quynh Luu – Thanh Hoa – Nam Dinh) into operation before 2025.

The line will help increase transmission capacity from the central region to the northern region and mobilize large electricity sources, including VungAng1, 2, QuangTrach1, to supply power to the north.

The ministry is considering increasing electricity imports from regional countries. 

MOIT said that Vietnam should negotiate with China to increase electricity imports to 3.5 billion kwh via 220KV transmission lines from Lao Cai and Ha Giang.

Once there are favorable conditions, Vietnam will consider buying power from China via Back-to-Back system with capacity scale of 2,000MW and output of 9 billion kwh a year. 

Regarding imports from Laos, MOIT says it is necessary to import power from Nam Ou electricity generation cluster prior to 2025.

MOIT said rooftop solar power should be seen as a priority to ensure electricity supply security.

As for offshore wind power, MOIT said many problems still exist. First, the legal framework for this type of electricity remains unclear. Second, current laws don’t clearly stipulate which agency would approve investments in offshore wind power projects.

Therefore, the ministry still cannot assign Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) and other domestic enterprises to deploy offshore wind power projects on a trial basis.

Luong Bang