Hydropower output surges in the north as water levels rise

By Dat Nguyen July 8, 2023 | 01:00 am PT

Lai Chau Hydropower Plant pictured in July 7, 2023. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Electricity

The National Load Dispatch Center (NLDC) has said it will draw more electricity from northern hydropower plants since water levels have risen at reservoirs.

At most dams, the levels are 13 to 23 meters higher than the minimum requirement for safe power generation, it said Friday.

Water is flowing rapidly into reservoirs in Son La, Lai Chau and Tuyen Quang provinces.

With the flood season expected to arrive soon, NLDC will keep coal- and gas-fired plants running at moderate levels and prioritize hydropower.

In May and June Hanoi and other northern localities suffered frequent load shedding due to low water levels and reduced output at hydropower plants.

But power output at some hydropower plants has now doubled or tripled from May-end.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai has assured there will be no more power shortage in the north this year.