Reporter: Dear Sir, in 2021, how has EVN performed the dual task of "ensuring power supply for the country's socio-economic development and COVID-19 prevention and control"?
Mr. Duong Quang Thanh: 2021 has undergone the situation of COVID-19 pandemic with complicated developments. In that context, EVN's staff and employees have overcome difficulties, even suffered from losses and sacrifices to maintain the power source in all situations. In the above conditions, the Group and its units have strictly implemented the instructions on the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic and basically ensured a safe and stable power supply. In which, power produced and purchased by EVN is estimated at 246.21 billion kWh, an increase of 3.25% compared to that in 2020. The reliability of the power supply continues to be improved, the average labor productivity in 2021 of the whole EVN is estimated to reach 2.62 million kWh/person, increasing by 3.1% compared to that in 2020.
For construction investment, EVN and its units have put into operation 2 power source projects; commenced 3 power projects, including Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant expansion, Ialy Power Plant expansion and Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant; commenced 195 projects and completed 176 110-500kV power grid projects.
Reporter: In order to maintain power in all situations, there have been losses and sacrifices, so how does the Group take care of its employees as well as share it with the community?
Mr. Duong Quang Thanh: In addition to timely attention, care and encouragement to workers in pandemic areas, EVN has properly performed its responsibilities to the social community, giving and sharing rice and clothes, and doing donations and supporting the vaccine fund for COVID-19 prevention and control, supporting industries and localities, and joins hands with the whole country to overcome the pandemic. In 2021, following the Government's direction, EVN has exempted and reduced electricity prices and reduced electricity bills for customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with a total value of over VND 3,000 billion.
EVN and other units have organized the implementation of "Customer Gratitude Month" in December 2021 and January 2022 with the theme: "Accompanying customers to overcome difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic-- 19". In December 2021, EVN and its member units continued to organize the voluntary blood donation program called EVN Pink Week 2021 - the seventh time, more than 9,700 blood units were collected to be delivered to the Central Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion.
The orange-shirted soldiers did not feel about toil, hardship, working continuously regardless of day/night to overcome electrical incidents caused by rainstorms, floods, etc.
Reporter: 2022 is forecasted to face bigger challenges than 2021, what solutions does EVN offer to realize the goals and plans, Sir?
Mr. Duong Quang Thanh: The most transparent and important goal of EVN is to focus all efforts on ensuring power supply for the country's socio-economic development and people's lives; ensure the investment progress of power source projects and power grid projects according to the approved schedule.
To accomplish the above targets, the Group has developed a plan for safe and stable operation of the power system and electricity market, optimally mobilizing power plants in the system. It is required to follow up the load situation, weather and hydrology changes and be ready to respond to adverse situations. Plans to ensure security for telecommunications information systems shall be developed and implemented. Propaganda activities are continued according to the plan, focusing more on topics and contents about power saving, ensuring the safety of grid corridors, warning about electrical safety in the rainy and stormy seasons, and so on.
Regarding power investment, EVN is striving to complete commercial power generation of solar power projects of Phuoc Thai 2 (100MWp), Phuoc Thai 3 (50MWp) as well as commence the project of O Mon IV Thermal Power Plant (1,050MW). The following are performed: completing investment procedures, arranging capital for key power source projects: Tri An Hydropower Plant Expansion, Dung Quat Thermal Power Plants I & III, O Mon III Thermal Power Plants, Quang Trach II Thermal Power Plant.
Regarding grid investment, there have been 264 works completed, 233 110-500kV grid projects commenced. The investment is focused on key power grid projects to improve transmission capacity, connect large power sources and release capacity for hydropower plants, renewable energy sources, import power from Laos and supply important loads (especially in the Northern region).
Reporter: The EVN’s Member Board has just issued Resolution No. 531/NQ-HDTV approving EVN's 2022 topic as "Safe, flexible and effective adaptation". Could you please tell me why the Group chose this topic and can you explain this topic in more detail?
Mr. Duong Quang Thanh: In 2022, EVN’s Member Board chose the theme of the year "Safe, flexible and effective adaptation", with the goal of continuing production and business activities, investing in development, implementing the digital transformation under new normal conditions.
Safe adaptation means that EVN quickly adapts safely to continue production - business activities, construction investment in the context of both pandemic prevention and control, and production. EVN shall adapt safely in the environment of digital transformation and application of science and technology; promptly approach and apply new technologies, actively carry out digital transformation, but always ensure the security, safety for information, telecommunications and information technology system and data system, as well.
Flexibility EVN and its units need to be flexible in the operation of the power system and power grid, be proactive and ready for flexible response scenarios when there is any situation of disease spreading at the units and plants, localities or when there is an incident or abnormal change of climate or hydrology.
Efficiency, in the context that the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected the economy, reducing the demand for power load on the national power system, the Group's the production and business situation in 2022 and the coming years is expected to face many difficulties. Therefore, EVN and its units need to thoroughly practice measures to improve operational efficiency.
Reporter: To ensure sufficient power supply for the country as well as meet the progress of investment and construction of power projects, what recommendations does the Group propose to all levels and sectors, Sir?
Mr. Duong Quang Thanh: The Group proposes the Prime Minister soon review and approve the Power Master Plan VIII for EVN and other units to have bases for implementation. Ministries, branches and localities are directed to create favorable conditions to support EVN and its member units in solving problems related to forest land and compensation for site clearance to promote the progress of power source and grid works.
EVN proposes the Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises to consider and submit the Prime Minister for approval of the Master Plan on reorganization and renewal of EVN's enterprises in the 2021-2025 period. Competent authorities are requested to consider and submit the Government for approval of amendments and supplements to the organization and operation Charter of EVN.
EVN proposes the Ministry of Industry and Trade to direct the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group to ensure the progress of the Thai Binh 2 Thermal Power Plant project into operation from May 2022 and the investor of other power sources to ensure that it is put into operation on schedule. Investors of power plants in the North are directed to focus on consolidating equipment, increasing reliability and availability of power units, especially during the peak months of hot weather in the North; prepare enough fuel to mobilize loads according to system demand.
PV: Thank you, Sir!