Powering Vietnam's Future: Mid-2026 Electricity Supply Analysis - Challenges and Breakthrough Strategies

Assessment of Power Supply Situation in First Half of 2026 and Future Solutions

On June 22, 2026, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Minister Lê Mạnh Hùng chaired a crucial meeting with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and related units. The meeting focused on comprehensively evaluating the power supply assurance work in the first half of 2026 and proposing solutions in the coming time amid difficulties and challenges caused by complex weather conditions and continuously increasing demand.

Power Supply Situation in First Half of 2026

According to EVN's report, during the first half of 2026, the national power system operated safely and stably, ensuring sufficient electricity for production and people's daily lives. The total electricity output nationwide reached approximately 138.5 billion kWh, an increase of 8.2% compared to the same period in 2025.

The installed capacity of the entire system by the end of June 2026 reached approximately 77,500 MW, including 18,200 MW from hydropower, 31,500 MW from coal thermal power, 9,800 MW from gas power, 12,000 MW from solar power, 4,000 MW from wind power, and 2,000 MW from other sources.

Difficulties and Challenges

Minister Lê Mạnh Hùng highlighted the major difficulties and challenges facing the power sector:

• Complex weather conditions, especially the drought situation in the Central and Central Highlands regions, affecting hydropower generation.
• Continuously increasing electricity demand with an average growth rate of 8-10% per year, higher than the economic growth rate.
• Pressure on electricity supply during the dry season of 2026 and 2027.
• The coal shortage for thermal power remains a significant challenge.
• Delays in completing some power projects compared to the plan.

Mr. Nguyễn Tuấn Anh, General Director of EVN, stated: "Recently, we have had to mobilize all resources to ensure power supply. However, with the unpredictable weather conditions and increasing demand, we need more synchronized and decisive solutions."

Solutions for the Future

At the meeting, all parties agreed to implement comprehensive solutions in the coming time:

1. Optimizing power system operation:
   
   • Closely coordinate with hydropower units to reasonably regulate reservoirs, ensuring dam safety and water supply for downstream areas.
   • Strengthen load forecasting and flexible, effective power system regulation.
2. Ensuring coal supply for thermal power:
   
   • Coordinate with the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation (TKV) and coal enterprises to ensure stable coal supply.
   • Accelerate the progress of new coal mining projects.
3. Accelerating key power projects:
   
   • Promote the progress of solar power, wind power, and LNG gas power projects.
   • Give priority to approved projects to be put into operation early.
4. Strengthening electricity saving and efficient energy use:
   
   • Enhance publicity on electricity saving.
   • Apply energy-saving technologies in production and consumption.

Key Power Projects to Focus On

Minister Lê Mạnh Hùng required EVN and relevant units to accelerate the progress of the following projects:

Conclusion

Concluding the meeting, Minister Lê Mạnh Hùng emphasized: "Stable and safe power supply is a key task of great significance for socioeconomic development and people's livelihood. EVN and relevant units need to heighten their sense of responsibility, be proactive and flexible in management, and coordinate closely to ensure sufficient electricity for production and people's daily lives."

According to the Minister, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to remove difficulties and obstacles for key power projects, while proposing to the Government necessary mechanisms and policies to ensure national energy security in the time ahead.