The power sector would strive to overcome difficulties to meet the rising demand over the next two years, which is estimated at more than 10 per cent, according to the Viet Nam Electricity (EVN).

At a conference held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) on Monday, EVN Chairman Duong Quanh Thanh said that increased output had not kept up with rising demand.

According to Thanh, power generation had risen by 3,000MW, but demand had grown by 4,000-5,000MW. The group had reported the problem to the ministry and suggested several solutions, including raising oil-fuelled electricity output to ensure supply in 2019 and 2020, he said, adding that it would put pressure on the group’s finances but there was no other feasible solution.

From 2020 and beyond, the group is negotiating the purchase of electricity from regional countries, especially Laos and investors in solar power plants.

EVN asked the MoIT to issue a price framework to facilitate purchase negotiations with Laos. The group also suggested increasing power purchases from China to 3-4 billion kWh from the present 1.2-1.5 billion kWh.

Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said the ministry would accelerate the development of the price framework for power purchases from Laos. He also acknowledged the difficulties facing the power sector. At the same time, he urged the sector to continue working on longstanding issues such as completing a competitive market and restructuring.

The minister said the power sector should work to diversify sources of energy, ensure safety and improve efficiency to meet the overall goal of national socio-economic development.

According to reports at the conference, the electricity sector posted a 10.4 per cent growth in the first half of this year, generating an estimated 99.68 billion kWh, while commercial electricity was estimated at 91.48 billion kWh. — VNS