Vietnam electricity imports from China, Laos set to soar by 2030

The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to increase electricity imports from China and Laos by 1.6 to five times from between now and 2030.

Vietnam’s electricity demand is set to rise by 12-14% annually as the government targets an ambitious double-digit growth rate annually to achieve high-income status for the country by 2045.

This means by 2030 Vietnam’s power capacity would need to reach 210,000 megawatts, up 35% from the current nationwide power plan.

Imports will therefore play an important role in meeting electricity demand.

By 2030 imports might account for 5% of total supply as against 4% last year, according to the ministry.

It wants to import up to 3,700 MW in capacity from China by 2030, a five-fold increase from now.

But the two sides have made no agreement for this yet. “The governments need to negotiate and sign deals soon,” the ministry said.

It also wants to buy 6,800 MW from Laos by 2030, 1.6 times the current import.