New transmission line proposed to import more electricity from Laos

It would help ensure energy security for northern Vietnam, especially during the dry season, as no new major power plant is set to go on stream until 2025, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said at a recent meeting.

Vietnam imports 3,000 megawatts of electricity from Laos through a 220-kilovolt line.

In October Vietnam Electricity already began laying a 500-kilovolt line spanning 45 kilometers to connect the two countries.

The work, to cost VND1.1trillion ($45.26 million), will be completed by the end of next year when it will increase import capacity to 2,500 MW a year.

Vietnam signed a deal with Laos in 2019 to buy 3,000 MW until 2025 and 5,000 MW a year in 2026-30.

In the first 11 months of this year Vietnam’s imports – also from China -- accounted for 1.5% of total electricity supply.