HCMC – The Ministry of Industry and Trade has worked with the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) and relevant agencies to discuss urgent measures for preventing power supply interruptions amid hot weather, drought, water shortage and salinization.

The unpredictable El Nino phenomenon, heat waves and drought could continue in southern provinces in May and northern and central provinces in early June. The hot spell is also forecast to hit the country in June and July.

The prime minister assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade to direct EVN to review the power generation plan given falling water reservoir levels to secure electricity supply for producers and households.

The prime minister requested strengthening the use of all sources of energy. Priority should be given to saving water for hydropower plants to put droughts, water shortages and salinization under control.

At the meeting, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien asked EVN, Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) to prevent power supply interruptions.

The minister also called for a campaign to save energy in the country.

EVN was told to hold talks with investors of eligible renewable power projects to increase power supply for the national grid while importing electricity from other countries.

Meanwhile, PVN and Vinacomin need to work closely with EVN and other relevant agencies to supply gas and coal for thermo-power plants as planned.