Power must be ensured for growth

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh last week enacted a directive on ensuring sufficient electricity supply for the country.

- Khoi Nguyen

Vietnam seeks to ensuring provision of electricity and fuel in all circumstances

(Photo: Le Toan)

According to the Government Office, the PM required Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Vietnam National Industry and Energy Group, Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation, and relevant corporations and authorities, together with investors in power plants and power source projects, to ensure sufficient electricity over the next few years.

"Ensuring sufficient power is a particularly important political task. Under no circumstances should projects or works be allowed to stall or fall behind schedule due to delays in handling administrative procedures by ministries, sectors, agencies, or localities," the directive read.

Local authorities are also requested to monitor and resolve issues within their competence, or propose solutions to competent authorities, to solve difficulties arising in the investment and construction of power generation and power grid projects, ensuring that power sources and transmission grids are brought into stable operation on schedule.

Particular emphasis is placed on several major power source projects, including the liquefied natural gas (LNG) thermal power plants in Quang Ninh, Haiphong, Thai Binh, Nghi Son, Bac Lieu, and several others.

Issues must also be addressed for other initiatives, including Long Phu I thermal power plant, hydropower projects including Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower complex, and expansions to other facilities. Various offshore wind power projects are also on the list.

Ensuring adequate electricity

Under Resolution No.01/NQ-CP released last week by the government on key tasks and solutions to implement Vietnam's Socioeconomic Development Plan and state budget estimations for 2026, GDP is set to grow 10 per cent or more this year.