The National Power Regulation Center has cautioned that northern areas of Vietnam may experience power cuts as there will be a 200 megawatts (MW) to 400 MW power shortage in the summer. The center stated that the region’s power production capacity will vary from 3,800 MW to 4,100 MW from the second half of May 2009 till the first half of June 2009. During the dry season, the center forecasts that the northern provinces would continue to reply on power supply from the southern and central areas.

The central and southern areas can supply a total output of 715 million kWh.

During the summer season, Hoa Binh Reservoir’s water level will drop, with the northern area requiring nearly 1,530 MW at the morning peak on the 500 kV Da Nang-Ha Tinh transmission line from the central and southern regions.

The center stated that an overload on 500/220 kV transformers in Thuong Tin, Nho Quan and Ha Tinh can be triggered by such a big transmission output.

During the second half of May 2009 and first half of June 2009, the national power grid can generate between 12,800 MW and 13,200 MW.

This is due to a series of hydropower turbines undergoing repair in preparation for the flood season and the level of water becomes less at all reservoirs when the dry season comes to an end.

The center has suggested commissioning on schedule various power stations including Nhon Trach 1, Quang Ninh, Uong Bi and Son Dong.

The Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) Group was requested to expedite erection of transmission lines linking the Ca Mau and Nhon Trach power stations to assure that turbines can run at full capacity.

The EVN must direct the National Power Transmission Corporation to place the second 500 kV transformer in Pleiku City in the Central Highlands to capitalize on hydropower resources from the south-central region.

The state utility was requested to collaborate with the National Oil and Gas Group on the latter’s prospect to provide gas for turbines at the Ca Mau power station.

The National Center for Power Regulation has stated that power supply from Ca Mau station will be able to satisfy power demand for the imminent dry season and assure the operation of the national power grid,.

Power purchases from China will also be executed, with a planned output of 375 million kWh in May 2009.

The output is likely to augment to 675 million kWh in the remaining dry months of 2009.