Enhancing Electrical Systems: Meeting Energy Needs, Integrating Renewables, and Developing Infrastructure

Enhancing electrical systems is crucial amid increasing energy demands, aiming for efficiency, safety, and the integration of renewable energy.

Demand and Objectives of Electrical System Upgrade

To support economic and energy growth, national electrical systems must be upgraded. Traditional energy sources like coal are becoming limited, while renewable sources such as wind and solar are prioritized for integration. By 2030, the goal is to enhance system flexibility to effectively integrate renewable sources, boosting capacity to maintain grid stability. This solid foundation ensures sustainable energy development.

Vietnam is entering a phase of rapid electricity demand growth, necessitating comprehensive system upgrades. Economic growth predicts a 1.5% increase in electricity for every 1% economic growth. By 2025, electricity output is expected to reach 347,509 billion kWh.

Implementing the Power Plan VIII is crucial, with a target to reach national capacity of 150 GW by 2030. This involves integrating renewable sources and boosting thermal power flexibility to stabilize when adding renewables.

Meeting rising electricity demands requires significant investment in power generation and transmission projects. From 2021 to 2030, the projected investment totals approximately 134.7 billion USD, with 119.8 billion USD dedicated to sources and transmission networks. Accelerating current projects and planning new ones is essential for increasing generation capacity.

Ultimately, system flexibility will optimize renewable energy use, reducing reliance on traditional sources. These investments ensure current demands are met and lay the groundwork for a sustainable future.

Electrical Upgrade Projects in Vietnam

In Ho Chi Minh City, the Power Corporation is fast-tracking grid upgrade and refurbishment projects, aiming to operate 10 new projects by the end of 2024. Nationwide, the target is to provide electricity to 20,520 households, including upgrading 8,966 households to safe systems by 2025. These projects are designed to ensure 99.5% of households have electricity, driving economic growth and improving living standards.

2024-2025 marks a significant advancement in Vietnamese electrical upgrades, with key projects underway. These projects focus on optimizing the grid while ensuring national system safety and stability.

110kV-500kV Grid Projects

Projects ranging from 110kV to 500kV are actively being deployed. In early 2025, 37 projects commenced, and 57 completed and electrified. The main goal is to enhance transmission capacity and minimize energy losses, effectively meeting load demands in key regions.

LNG Nhon Trach 3&4 Project

Located in Dong Nai, the LNG Nhon Trach 3&4 project is under active construction, expected to commence before 2025. This project, incorporating LNG and natural gas-turbine cycles, diversifies energy sources and boosts operational flexibility of the national grid.

500kV North-South Project

This project focuses on accelerating 500kV line segments, especially in Vinh Phuc where land clearance compensation presents challenges. Despite this, the goal is to complete by June 30, 2025, remains paramount.

National Electric System Operation Plan

According to Decision 3047/QD-BCT issued on November 15, 2024, enhancing load monitoring and renewable integration is a top priority. This is crucial during peak months from April to July 2025, to maintain system safety through contingency planning.

Natural Disaster Response in Operations

Proposed solutions include developing flood and landslide emergency scenarios in the Northern and Central mountainous regions. Real-time load forecasting is applied to ensure supply-demand balance, mitigating disaster-related risks.

Vietnam’s electrical upgrade projects from 2024 to 2025 target not only infrastructure quality improvement but also lay the foundation for national system sustainability.

Developing Electrical Infrastructure and System Flexibility

Over 15 years, EVNNPT has invested significantly in 500 kV and 220 kV transmission projects, essential for stable power supply. Power development planning emphasizes cleaner energy sources, excluding new coal project proposals. System flexibility is key, especially for integrating offshore wind and solar power, projected to be operational by 2029-2030. This is a major step in creating a flexible and sustainable electrical system.

Vietnam is advancing electrical infrastructure development to enhance system flexibility and sustainability. According to Power Plan VIII, key targets have been set for significant transformation. By 2030, the electrical system aims for a total capacity of about 146,000 MW to meet growing electricity demand and maintain national energy security.

In this effort, developing transmission networks is essential. 500kV and 220kV projects are vigorously pursued to alleviate power plant capacity. This enhances reliability and reduces energy loss. By applying N-1 and N-2 criteria in critical load areas, system stability is notably increased.

Infrastructure isn’t limited to transmission development; smart grid construction is underway. By employing advanced technology, Vietnam’s electrical system can integrate renewable sources like wind and solar, ensuring economic operation and meeting dynamic load demands. Infrastructure for gas, particularly LNG import and storage, is also developed for effective utilization in gas-powered plants.

Integrating renewable sources not only enhances flexibility but also reduces fossil fuel dependency, aligning with Vietnam’s COP26 commitments. To actualize this, substantial land development needs were identified: approximately 89.9 – 93.36 thousand hectares for 2021-2030, increasing to around 169.8 – 195.15 thousand hectares subsequently.

Upgrading Vietnam’s electrical systems not only improves electricity supply but also opens opportunities for renewable energy integration, promoting economic growth and environmental protection. This is a long-term strategic move ensuring sustainability and system flexibility.

Contact QuangAnhcons today via Hotline: +84 9 1975 8191 to learn more about electrical system upgrade services and renewable energy solutions.

QuangAnhcons provides consulting and implementation of electrical system upgrades, focusing on grid refurbishment and renewable energy integration to help clients achieve optimal energy management and sustainable usage.