Northern region faces high risk of serious electricity shortage
The northern region is facing a high risk of serious electricity shortage this summer due to rising demands and low output of hydropower plants as a result of unfavourable weather conditions, according to the Vietnam Electricity (EVN).
EVN technicians inspect a power transformer station in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The northern region is facing a high riskof serious electricity shortage this summer due to rising demands and low output of hydropower plants as a result of unfavourable weather conditions,according to the Vietnam Electricity (EVN).
In a report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the EVNunderlined that the water level of reservoirs in the northern region in thefirst four months of this year was equivalent to 70-90% of the average in many years.Similar situation was also seen in many other reservoirs in the central and southernregion.
As of April 24, the water level had been low enough to posea risk of affecting power security and electricity supply for daily activities inthe rest of this year’s dry season. As a result, the remaining capacity of producingelectricity of reservoirs in the whole system is 4.5 billion kWh, 1.6billion kWh lower than the plan, and 4.1 billion kWh lower than the same periodin 2022.
According to the National Centre for HydrometeorologicalForecasting, the El Nino phenomenon will occur in the last months of 2023,causing the temperature to rise and the rainfall to be lower than the averageof many years. This is likely to make the flow to the lakes in the last monthsof the year to decrease.
Meanwhile, the supply of fuel for coal and gas power plantsis also limited due to low production and exploitation. EVN-managed plants will face a shortage of 1.3 million tonnes of coal.
Production from renewable energy sources such as wind power in May, June,and July are also forecast to be lower than 2022.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
The EVN held that in the event of extreme situations such asa year-on-year rise of 15% in power consumption in the north due to hotweather, power system incidents and a sharp fall in the water level of largehydropower reservoirs, the northern region may face a power shortage of up to 1,600- 4,900 MW in May and June.
To prevent the situation, the EVN will optimisehydroelectric power sources in the north, while increasing powertransmission from the central region to the north and regulating watersources to ensure operations of hydropower projects.
At the same time, it will also intensify inspections to minimise incidents, and speed up the negotiations forelectricity purchase from renewable energy projects.
The EVN also underlined that saving electricity and usingelectricity efficiently is a very important solution to ensure enoughelectricity during the hot period./.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the inauguration of Thai Binh 2 thermal power plant, which was held by the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) in the northern province of Thai Binh on April 27.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has allowed the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to revise up electricity prices by a maximum of 3% following the April 30 - May 1 holiday.
The average retail price of electricity increases 3% to 1,920.373 VND (0.082 USD) per kWh from May 4, following a decision by the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) on adjusting the electricity retail prices.
The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) provides important financial and technological solutions and should also be a target for the implementation of Power Development Plan VIII, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has said.
The article by Cuba’s Inter Press Service detailed how Vietnamese private enterprise Agri VMA leased 1,000 ha of land in Los Palacios district, Cuba’s westernmost province of Pinar del Río, for rice cultivation over a three-year period. The project’s first harvest in 2025 recorded an impressive yield of 7.2 tonnes per hectare, far exceeding the local average of 1.6 tonnes.
During the visit, office representatives held a working session with the Tipaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry and met with several prominent local businesses operating in key sectors including industry, agriculture, fisheries, food processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics.
A Nordic delegation to Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in September will feature leading names in retail, consumer goods, logistics, and sustainable manufacturing, including global fashion giant H&M, offering fresh prospects for partnerships in fashion, textiles, and green supply chains.
With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,276 VND/USD and the floor rate 23,774 VND/USD.
Effective from the date of signing on June 18, the decision halts procedures outlined in the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Vietnam and Laos on the initial implementation of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement at the Lao Bao–Densavan border gate.
The event aimed to update businesses on new regulations and compliance requirements regarding US tax, trade, and customs policies, while offering practical solutions to facilitate exports amid shifting trade dynamics.
The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting the brand, value, and legacy of traditional fish sauce - a product deeply rooted in the island’s identity and history spanning over 200 years.
According to Mastercard data, Vietnam has recorded a remarkable 92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in contactless transaction volume from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024.
Tuan expressed his confidence that LH, with its expertise and experience, would swiftly implement the urban area project, contributing to a modern urban landscape for the province.
With its strategic location, abundant workforce, and modern infrastructure, Vietnam holds significant potential to become a leading centre for power and electronics production in the region and the world.
The renewable energy workforce training and development centre, invested by Germany's GEO Group, is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping Binh Dinh as a renewable energy and innovation hub in central Vietnam, meeting the growing demand for skilled technical personnel in offshore wind, solar farms, and green hydrogen projects.
A notable trend is the shift toward satellite regions. With land scarcity and soaring prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, investors are eyeing provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, which are benefiting from improved technical infrastructure and transport connectivity.
To further strengthen private-sector innovation, Bac Ninh plans to accelerate administrative reforms, build a digital, service-oriented government, and develop an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects businesses with domestic and international institutions, universities, and experts.
The participation of H&M, one of the world's largest fashion corporations, in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early September is considered a special highlight, opening up many cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the fashion, textiles and sustainable supply chains.
This latest order builds on a previous agreement signed at the Singapore Airshow last year for 40 engines, bringing the total number of Trent 7000 engines ordered by the airline to 80.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged that despite concerted efforts by ministries and local authorities in combating fake and substandard goods, the situation remains highly complicated, attributing the persistent challenges to high profits luring numerous participants, increasingly sophisticated violations, limited resources within enforcement agencies.
The group also placed among the Top 5 energy companies in Southeast Asia and secured the top spot among the largest Vietnamese enterprises featured on the list.
EVN technicians inspect a power transformer station in Hanoi (Photo: VNA) 
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
