Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a Directive on February 14 urging relevant ministries, agencies, and sectors to ensure the supply of power as well as coal and gas for power generation.

A number of measures have been taken to ensure electricity supply but shortcomings remain, leading to power shortages in certain areas at certain times, particularly in the northern region during last year’s dry season.

In order to ensure energy security and the supply of power for production, trade, and consumption, Prime Minister Chinh asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to direct the implementation of assigned tasks, particularly the implementation of the National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) in the 2021-2030 period. Focus should be on adopting measures to ensure power supply for the northern region in the years ahead.

It was also tasked to guide Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) and the National Load Dispatch Center to manage the power system to ensure the supply of electricity, and to build plans to supply electricity and operate the national power system to ensure sufficient electricity reserves in any and all circumstances.

The MoIT was also assigned to supervise and direct relevant agencies to ensure the supply of coal and gas for electricity production, as well as to supervise the implementation of key energy projects.

Prime Minister Chinh requested that his directive and the national program on using electricity economically and programs on green and clean energy transition be effectively implemented.

The Minister of Planning and Investment was asked to consult with the Prime Minister on preparing for investment in electricity projects under PDP8, and to speed up the appraisal of investment policies for power projects so that progress is not affected.