A warning that residents in the southern region of Vietnam might experience more blackouts, over the risk of power shortage in the next three years, was issued by a ministry when dozens of thermal electricity projects have been delayed.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), total electricity generated in the 2016-2020 period only makes up 15,500 MW, around 70 percent of the target.

Power projects in the country are categorized into three groups, including those by Vietnam Electricity Corporation (EVN), state-run oil and gas giant PetroVietnam (PVN) and national coal corporation TKV; those invested in the form of BOT (Build – Operate – Transfer); and IPP (independent power producer) projects.

Currently, 27 power projects implemented by PVN, in the form of BOT, and by IPP investors are in slow progress.

Among these projects are some under negotiation, some not receiving capital, and others under sluggish construction.

Of the 15 power projects invested by EVN, four are behind schedule.

Notably, all eight thermal power projects managed by PVN are unlikely to meet deadlines.

These are projects with a capacity of over 1,200 MW so if they are not put into operation on schedule, a huge supply shortage is inevitable.

A report from MOIT also confirmed that four other power projects financed by TKV were delayed for more than two years.

Deputy General Director of TKV Nguyen Anh Tuan also admitted to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the corporation is currently developing three coal-fired thermal power plants, with the Hai Phong 3 thermal power project having yet to be implemented.

Tuan explained that the Cam Pha 3 thermal power plant is still not approved by authorities in the northern province of Quang Ninh for its location, leading to the lateness in Hai Phong 3’s implementation.

Dinh Quang Tri, acting general director of EVN, said the postponement of its projects stemmed from relevant ministries and agencies’ late approval for their designs and environmental impact assessment.  

Most of these projects are located in the southern and central regions, threatening a lack of electricity in southern Vietnam in the coming years.

According to MOIT, each delayed coal-fired thermal power project with a capacity of 1,200 MW in the south will cause the power shortage in the region to increase by 7.2-7.5 kWh per year.

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