The ADB delegation was led by Ms. Susan Lim, Country Operations Head of the ADB Vietnam Office.

EVN Vice President Nguyen Tai Anh (center) discusses key topics with working delegation from Asian Development Bank (ADB) on morning of January 29.

During the meeting, ADB representatives reaffirmed that Vietnam is one of ADB’s key partners in implementing strategic directions and support programs for energy transition and sustainable development in the region.

According to ADB, recent adjustments to the legal framework – including Decision No. 262/QD-TTg (on the implementation plan of the National Power Development Plan for 2021–2030 with a vision to 2050) and amendments to Decree No. 242 (on the management and use of ODA capital) – have opened new opportunities for cooperation. On this basis, ADB proposed several forms of support for EVN and its subsidiaries, including consideration of financing for technically complex projects such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines and regional grid interconnection projects.

ADB also introduced a number of financial tools applicable to distribution grid projects, aimed at increasing implementation flexibility and improving capital efficiency.

Speaking at the meeting, Vice President Nguyen Tai Anh emphasized that the investment portfolio under Power Development Plan VIII requires substantial capital, with many nationally significant projects such as the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower plant, LNG-fired power plants Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4, offshore wind power projects, and especially battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a projected total capacity in the thousands of megawatts.

EVN’s leadership also provided clarifications on matters of interest raised by ADB.

Both sides agreed to maintain a coordination mechanism through technical focal points to review needs, clarify scopes, and develop appropriate support plans. In the immediate future, ADB will consolidate some initial proposal directions and coordinate with EVNNPT and the Power Corporations to exchange information, update priority project lists, and form the basis for continued discussions on the next steps.

Translator: Hoàng Duy Khánh