EVN seeks to speed up electricity imports from Laos
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Vietnam Electricity (EVN) is seeking approval from the government to speed up the import of electricity from Laos since shortages are forecast in the northern region.
It plans to import electricity equivalent to 225 MW from the Nam Mo and Houay Koauan hydropower plants.
It is also seeking permission to link up the Savan 1 and 2 wind power plants in Laos with the Vietnamese grid.
Until 2025 no new major power plant is set to enter the grid in northern Vietnam, which is expected to face shortages.
By 2025 the shortage is estimated to be 3,630 MW.
Purchasing from Laos is economical since its hydropower costs only 6.95 cents per kilowatt-hour, lower than local prices, EVN said.
In August Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh approved a proposal to import 2,698 MW worth of power from Laos, with EVN signing purchase contracts for around 83% of it.
The north suffered a crippling power shortage in summer this year, with many localities resorting to load shedding. Imports from Laos and China met 10% of demand during the period.
Questions & Answers
Q.Why is Vietnam Electricity (EVN) trying to speed up electricity imports from Laos?
Why is Vietnam Electricity (EVN) trying to speed up electricity imports from Laos?
EVN is seeking approval to speed up imports because electricity shortages are forecast for northern Vietnam. No new major power plants are due to enter the grid there until 2025, and a shortage of 3,630 MW is estimated by that time.
Q.What is the expected capacity of electricity EVN plans to import from Laos?
What is the expected capacity of electricity EVN plans to import from Laos?
EVN plans to import the equivalent of 225 MW from the Nam Mo and Houay Koauan hydropower plants. The Prime Minister also approved a proposal to import 2,698 MW from Laos, with EVN signing contracts for approximately 83% of this.
Q.Why is purchasing electricity from Laos considered economical for Vietnam?
Why is purchasing electricity from Laos considered economical for Vietnam?
Purchasing electricity from Laos is considered economical because its hydropower costs only 6.95 cents per kilowatt-hour. This price is lower than the current local electricity prices within Vietnam, according to EVN.
Q.When is northern Vietnam expected to experience electricity shortages?
When is northern Vietnam expected to experience electricity shortages?
Northern Vietnam is expected to face shortages until 2025, as no new major power plants are set to enter the grid there before this time. A crippling shortage was already experienced in summer this year.
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