HCMC – The demand for coal is projected to rise by 1.2 million tons in order to ensure electricity security, bringing the total coal volume needed for electricity production to 18.75 million tons in the second half of the year.
Vietnam National Coal – Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin), a State-run conglomerate specializing in coal and mineral mining, said that it is exploring ways to meet the coal demand of thermal power plants.
Over the next two months, Vinacomin plans to supply Vietnam Electricity Group’s (EVN) coal-fired power plants with an additional 10,000 tons of coal per month beyond the contracted amount.
The supply of coal to Thai Binh 2 thermal power plant is expected to reach 300,000 tons, doubling the prescribed amount.
Coal supply is anticipated to increase by 500,000 tons in July, resulting in a total coal volume of 18.75 million tons needed for electricity production in the second half of the year. The majority of the coal will be sold to EVN.
During a recent meeting with coal suppliers, EVN requested Vinacomin and Dong Bac Corp to provide an extra one million tons of coal to ensure sufficient energy supply in June and July. This request was prompted by the record-low water levels at hydropower plants in the north, which necessitates the full-capacity operation of thermal power plants.
In the first half of the year, thermal power plants consumed 21 million tons of coal, marking a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2021 and reaching 54.5% of the contract volume. It is estimated that they will burn 39.7 million tons of coal this year, reflecting a 15% year-on-year increase.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has warned that northern provinces may face a daily shortage of between 30 and 50 million kWh, resulting in blackouts for most of the day in some parts of the region.
