Vietnam electricity imports from China, Laos set to soar by 2030
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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.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is driving Vietnam's projected increase in electricity demand?
What is driving Vietnam's projected increase in electricity demand?
Vietnam's electricity demand is forecast to rise by 12-14% annually. This is due to the government's aim for double-digit economic growth to reach high-income status by 2045.
Q.How much generating capacity does Vietnam aim to import from China by 2030?
How much generating capacity does Vietnam aim to import from China by 2030?
The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to import up to 3,700 MW of capacity from China by 2030. This represents a five-fold increase from current levels, though no agreement has yet been made.
Q.What percentage of Vietnam's total electricity supply could imports account for by 2030?
What percentage of Vietnam's total electricity supply could imports account for by 2030?
By 2030, electricity imports might constitute 5% of Vietnam's total supply. This is a slight increase from the 4% accounted for by imports last year, according to ministry projections.
Q.What is the targeted total power capacity for Vietnam by 2030?
What is the targeted total power capacity for Vietnam by 2030?
By 2030, Vietnam's power capacity would need to reach 210,000 megawatts. This is a 35% increase from the current nationwide power plan, essential for meeting rising demand.
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