HANOI – Vietnam is expected to import electricity from the neighboring countries of Laos, Cambodia and China, instead of just from China as in previous years.
From now until 2030, the nation may import 14 GW of electricity from Laos, 3.8 GW from China and 4 GW from Cambodia.
According to a report of the National Assembly Economic Committee, Vietnam is importing electricity from Laos with a capacity of 572 MW and China with over 450 MW. The imports account for nearly 2% of the total output.
However, the nation will raise imports from now until 2030, said the Institute of Energy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Electricity is imported mainly by the North-Central, followed by the Central and the Central Highlands, with these areas projected to see power shortages after 2025, prompting the Government to add power supplies from the South and other countries.
The situation is attributed to the poor operation of hydropower plants, given the water shortage, the institute said.
Meanwhile, China has seen a power surplus in the southern region. Until 2025, the nation will see a surplus of up to 150 GW.
Laos is expected to export 6.2 GW to Vietnam. Cambodia now imports 0.25 GW from Vietnam but it can also export electricity to the country, depending on the time.
From now until 2030, Vietnam will have its electricity grid connected to power plants in Laos. A few years ago, the governments of the two countries signed electricity purchase contracts from some hydropower plants in northern Laos.
Earlier, Vietnam built a 500 KV transmission line via a station in the North-Central, bordering the Houa Muang and Xameua provinces, to buy electricity from hydropower plants in Laos.
Besides, Vietnam will conduct research to buy 3,000 MW from China via a one-way line to the 500 KV Vinh Yen station.
By Lan Nhi
