Vietnam faces potential 44,900 MW power supply shortage

Approximately 44,900 MW of large-scale power sources scheduled for the 2026–2030 period are at risk of falling behind development plans. This delay occurs as electricity demand is projected to increase by about 10% in 2027.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII aims for a total system peak capacity of between 89,655 and 99,934 MW by 2030. However, significant delays are expected in gas-fired power, large hydropower, pumped storage, and imported electricity. In Northern Vietnam alone, roughly 6,600 MW of capacity is identified as being at risk of missing scheduled deadlines.

Gas-fired power projects represent a major bottleneck. Specific projects facing delays include LNG Thái Bình (1,500 MW), LNG Quảng Ninh (1,500 MW), LNG Hải Lăng phase 1 (1,500 MW), LNG Bạc Liêu (3,200 MW), and the Sơn Mỹ I and II projects (4,500 MW total). Domestic gas supply also faces challenges, with the Lô B – Ô Môn gas-to-power chain and the Blue Whale gas-to-power project facing timeline pressures.