Power tension continues to cause sparks

Power shortages will continue to be a reality during the upcoming dry season.

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) figures showed that around 2,272 megawatts of power were added to the country’s power system in 2010 and corresponding figures for 2011 and 2012-2013 period would be an estimated 5,110MW and 4,500MW, respectively.

This conclusion follows MoIT surveys of around 50 power projects which have started or about to start construction under the country’s approved power development scheme.

Survey results also showed that of 33 power generation projects are under construction, but only 11 projects have met their set timeframes. They are Srepok 3, Srepok 4, Song Tranh 2, Dak My 4, Se San 4A, A Luoi, and Dak Rtih hydro-power plants, expanded Uong Bi 2, Cam Pha II, Nhon Trach II and Vung Ang I thermal power plants. The remaining projects saw progress delayed by one to six months.

Similarly, of 10 power generation projects slated for construction in 2010 four projects were put into 2011, comprising Mong Duong 1 thermo power plant, and Song Bung 2, Dong Nai 5 and Sekaman1 hydropower plants.

Construction of Trung Son hydropower plant slated for construction in 2011 was put into 2012. Some power projects which had started construction in 2010 such as Duyen Hai I, and Song Bung 4 could not define when they could start generating power.

MoIT surveys had pointed out two reasons behind those power project’s delays – capital distress and poor performances.

Investment sources had become limited, while other projects which had signed loan contracts faced disbursement problems such as Duyen Hai I and II, Long Phu I, Dong Nai 3, Quang Ninh II or Haiphong II projects.

In terms of performance, some projects saw delays in bidding work and procurement of technological processes. Human resources and equipment of contractors at most projects fell below the standards. In some projects, lack of technical staff to work on finalisation documents also cast big impacts on acceptance and payment activities.

At some thermal power projects, the time for test-run and adjustments was often extended due to frequent equipment breakdowns.

The MoIT also attributed power project delays to the National Power Transmission Corporation’s failure to raise sufficient investment sources and troublesome site clearance process. The ministry also noted that as power transmission projects often expanded vast areas and involved many locations it would take time for making compensation plans, thus delaying the projects. – VIR

Tags: Vietnam electricity, Vietnam energy, Vietnam power shortage