Power Supply Situation in First Half of 2026: Challenges and Solutions for Vietnam's Energy Sector
On June 22, 2026, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Minister Le Manh Hung chaired a working session with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and related units. The meeting focused on comprehensively evaluating power supply assurance work in the first half of 2026 and proposing solutions to overcome difficulties and challenges posed by complex weather conditions alongside continuously increasing demand.
Background and Purpose of the Meeting
Against the backdrop of continued economic recovery and development, electricity demand nationwide has shown a strong upward trend. Concurrently, weather conditions across the country have continued to evolve complexly, with prolonged heatwaves in the North and Central regions, coupled with the risk of drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta region.
According to Minister Le Manh Hung, this meeting was organized to assess the current state of power supply assurance work, thereby proposing synchronized and effective solutions to ensure national energy security in the time ahead.
Power Supply Situation in First Half of 2026
According to EVN's report, during the first half of 2026, the national power system has operated safely and stably, fully meeting electricity demand for production, business, and people's livelihoods. The total electricity output of the entire system reached approximately 142 billion kWh, an increase of 8.7% compared to the same period in 2025.
Among these, thermal coal power output reached about 67 billion kWh, accounting for 47.2%; hydropower reached 42 billion kWh, accounting for 29.6%; gas power reached 18 billion kWh, accounting for 12.7%; solar power reached 8 billion kWh, accounting for 5.6%; and other sources reached approximately 7 billion kWh, accounting for 4.9%.
However, power supply assurance work still faces numerous significant difficulties and challenges. Particularly, in May and June, due to the impact of prolonged historic heatwaves, demand surged unexpectedly, requiring electricity conservation measures in many areas.
Challenges and Difficulties
According to EVN, the main challenges in power supply assurance during the first half of 2026 include:
- Complex weather conditions with prolonged heatwaves in many regions, leading to electricity demand exceeding forecasts
- Several thermal power plants had to reduce capacity due to malfunctions or scheduled maintenance
- Water levels in reservoirs in the North and Central regions decreased due to drought, affecting hydropower generation
- Saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta affected electricity production at some gas power plants
- Pressure to invest in developing power sources and grid systems to meet increasing demand
Solutions for the Future
At the meeting, units discussed and agreed on key solutions to ensure stable and safe power supply in the time ahead:
- Prioritize ensuring power system safety, especially during peak summer months
- Strengthen load demand and power source forecasting to develop suitable operational plans
- Accelerate the progress of ongoing power source and grid projects
- Enhance international cooperation in the Southeast Asian region to share electricity resources when necessary
- Promote renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power
- Strengthen electricity conservation and efficient electricity use
EVN's Performance in First Half of 2026
To provide an overview of EVN's operations in the first half of 2026, the following table summarizes key performance indicators:
| Indicator | Value (6/2026) | Change vs. Same Period 2025 | Annual Plan Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity Output (billion kWh) | 142 | Increase 8.7% | 48.6% |
| Revenue (thousand billion VND) | 385 | Increase 7.2% | 47.8% |
| Pre-tax Profit (thousand billion VND) | 45 | Increase 5.8% | 42.5% |
| Installed Capacity (MW) | 69,500 | Increase 3.2% | 51.2% |
Minister Le Manh Hung's Directives
Concluding the meeting, Minister Le Manh Hung emphasized key tasks to be implemented in the time ahead:
- Focus maximum efforts to ensure national energy security, preventing power shortages, especially during peak summer months
- Accelerate the implementation of power source and grid investment projects, ensuring quality and efficiency
- Strengthen power system operational management, applying digital technology to enhance management effectiveness
- Proactively develop response plans for abnormal weather and power source situations
- Strengthen publicity on electricity conservation and efficient use
Vision and Orientation
According to EVN, in the coming years, the corporation will continue to focus on the following strategic orientations:
- Diversify power sources, gradually reducing dependence on coal, and increasing the proportion of renewable energy
- Modernize the power grid, applying digital technology and artificial intelligence to management and operations
- Develop LNG power to ensure energy security
- Enhance international cooperation in the energy sector
Ensuring stable and safe power supply is not only EVN's responsibility but also the duty of the entire political system and society. Minister Le Manh Hung called on ministries, sectors, localities, and citizens to join hands in implementing electricity conservation and efficient electricity use to contribute to ensuring national energy security.