Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) has announced plans to increase electricity imports from China and Laos to meet increasing electricity demand over the summer.
EVN has utilised all available energy sources including costly diesel and fuel oil, to ensure power system stability. During May-July 2023, power consumption in the northern provinces of Vietnam is expected to increase by 15 per cent compared to the last year, leading to a shortage of between 1,600 MW and 4,900 MW. To meet this power shortage, it plans to import electricity from China and Laos. Energy imported from China will be used to power the province of Quang Ninh until July 2023. Further, imports from the Nam Kong and Nam San hydropower plant clusters in Laos will also be ramped up.