Vietnam orders action to avert power crunch as heat lifts demand
Recent bouts of sweltering heat in northern and central areas of Vietnam increased peak power demand to almost 52 gigawatts on June 2. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
HANOI – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered government agencies to ensure uninterrupted power supplies for households and businesses as heat waves boost electricity demand to a record.
Recent bouts of sweltering heat in northern and central areas of the nation increased peak power demand to almost 52 gigawatts on June 2, an all-time high, according to a statement posted on the government website.
The mean temperature in Vietnam topped 30 deg C on June 2, about 8 per cent above the 30-year average for this time of year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Mr Chinh asked the trade ministry and other agencies to prevent power shortages under 'any circumstances,' according to the statement.
Among the measures, he instructed to accelerate start up of new power plants and grid connections, and ensure safe operation of the electricity system during the peak dry season.
Rising temperatures in the country are part of a global trend, with other pockets of the planet also heating up.
Signs are pointing to a red-hot summer across the North America, Europe, and Asia, threatening to tax power grids, wilt crops, and send energy prices spiking.
Above-average temperatures are forecast across Japan through August, while weather models are predicting a warmer-than-average summer throughout mainland and maritime South-east Asia.
Asia's developing nations have been hitting new power demand records every year, as rapid economic growth, coupled with expansion of air conditioning, boosts electricity requirements. BLOOMBERG
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