ASIA: Vientnam, Industry Minister turns the light on power problems

Industry Minister Hoang Trung Hai has blamed recent power shortages on tardy construction of on the books power projects.

The minister said a number of projects are under way but the most pressing issues surrounding energy security are the delays in projects that have overrun their schedules.

He went on to specifically cite the 300 MW Expanded Uong Bi and the 500 MW Ca Mau 2 Thermo-electric Power Plants as examples.

The minister expressed his concern that the effects caused by power outages may interfere with foreign investment flows.

According to a governmental power industry development plan, the sector must record an annual production growth rate of 17 percent, or an extra 3,800 MW in generated power per year. Hai said in order to reach the desired targets, a capital outlay of close to 4 billion USD per annum would be required.





Baja