The Ministry of Industry and Trade has asked the prime minister for approval to import wind power from Laos to mitigate potential electricity shortages in the northern region.
The proposal comes in response to a request from the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) to manage the risk of power outages in northern provinces. EVN emphasized the importance of importing electricity to ensure stable power supply.
The ministry’s proposal evaluates the feasibility of importing electricity from Laos’ 250-MW Truong Son wind power plant under agreements between the two nations.
EVN said that the total power capacity Laos had approved for export to Vietnam until 2025 is 1,977 MW, which is lower than the 3,000 MW outlined in the signed agreements.
Importing electricity from Laos is crucial to ensure adequate supply and mitigating the risk of electricity shortages in the northern region as seen last year, especially during the dry season.
Northern Vietnam faces a potential deficit of 3,632 MW during the dry season. Without additional power sources, the situation could lead to electricity outages.
Truong Son wind farm, which will commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2025, will be connected to Vietnam’s grid via the 220 kV Do Luong substation in Nghe An Province.
To adhere to the project timeline, the investor plans to finance a power transmission line in Vietnam’s territory, thus easing the financial burden on EVN.
The proposed price for wind power from Laos is 6.95 cents per kWh, which is better than domestic wind power prices.
In addition to the Truong Son project, EVN has received proposals from seven wind power projects in Laos, totaling nearly 4,150 MW.
To facilitate electricity imports from Laos, EVN has proposed additional power transmission line development, including 220 kV and 500 kV transmission lines, aligning with Vietnam’s long-term energy plans outlined in the Power Development Plan VIII.
(The Saigon Times)
