EVN: northern power needs met but extreme weather concerns remain

June 23, 2023 | 18:48

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Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) announced on June 23 that it can now meet the basic electricity needs of the north of the country. The water level in the hydroelectric reservoirs rose in the days prior, and repairs have been carried out on the necessary thermal power plants.

EVN: northern power needs met but extreme weather concerns remain

However, EVN warned that there may be extreme weather conditions leading to power outages in the future since the northern power system lacks the required reserve capacity. Many power plants have more than a month's supply of coal to generate electricity, but six plants at Na Duong, An Khanh, Thai Binh, Thang Long, Haiphong, and Son Phong, have less than five days' supply.

The Industrial Safety Techniques and Environment Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade reported the same day that the discharge of hydropower reservoirs in the north and central highlands is stable and rising. The water level in the lakes in the southeast is low, while the flow on the north central coast and south central coast has fallen slightly.

The lakes at Thac Ba, Ban Ve, and Dong Nai 3 are currently near the dead water level, whereas some hydropower plants are generating electricity in moderation at Son La, Huoi Quang, Ban Chat, and Thac Mo.

Forecasts indicate that water flow to lakes in the northern region will rise slightly in the next 24 hours, and decrease in the north central and south central coast regions.

Since the end of May, Hanoi and many other northern communities have been experiencing power scarcity due to summertime demand. Hydroelectricity production, one of two primary sources of supply for the north, has decreased considerably because of drought.

Some continuously operational thermal power facilities have also experienced problems.

EVN strives to ensure stable electricity supply for the north

The North-South 500kV transmission line plays an important role in ensuring electricity for the northern region as the power supply is limited, the water falling into the hydropower reservoirs is exhausted, much of the lake water evaporates, and the electricity demand in the hot season skyrockets.

North's electricity supply may be strained until July

In the event that power shortages in the northern region of Vietnam continue for an extended period of time, the operation of the power grid will be significantly hampered.

Reorganisation in hand for 2023’s electricity supply

Vietnam can only reduce demand and alleviate the current electricity shortage by utilising energy economically and efficiently, energy leaders are warning.

By Angela Nguyen

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