Why the goal "3 no-tolerances" is set?
In 2024, it is forecasted that EVN will face further difficulties due to increased electricity demand across the country, while the system has not been supplemented with stable power sources. The Group is confronting a big question of how to forecast, and reasonably balance the electricity supply and demand, and how to effectively mobilize existing power sources in volatile and unusual weather conditions.
With the 2024 load plan expected to grow by 8.96%, the total electricity output of the entire system is 306.4 billion kWh. Of which, coal-fired thermal power plants alone contribute an estimated 168.7 billion kWh, accounting for 55.1% of the total system output, an increase of 28.8% compared to 2023.
Chairman of EVN's Board of Directors Dang Hoang An affirmed the important role of coal-fired thermal power plants in the power system in 2024 and requested leaders of corporations and power generation companies to keep in mind that the stable operation of generating units is the most important political task. "We must be determined to do and do it right to ensure the availability of thermal power units and ensure stable operation of the power system" – EVN’s Chairman emphasized.
Thermal power companies sign emulation commitments to reduce failures and ensure availability for power generation in 2024
Setting the goal of "3 no-tolerances" in operating thermal power plants in 2024, EVN requires units to absolutely ensure the availability of generating units to be dispatched, following the system’s requests. Regarding ensuring coal supplies for power generation, since September 2023, EVN, Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation (Vinacomin), and the Northeast Corporation have agreed and signed a cooperation agreement on long-term coal supply for EVN’s thermal power plants using anthracite coal.
Competition to ensure the availability of power generation
With a high determination to ensure electricity supply for the country, EVN’s employees are aware of their responsibilities and obligations, thus excited to compete to successfully complete electricity production targets. In November 2023, Vietnam Electricity in coordination with Vietnam Electricity Trade Union launched an emulation movement to ensure the availability of coal-fired power plants for power generation. In particular, in 2024, coal-fired thermal power plants of 12 member companies under EVN participating in the emulation will contribute 78.6 billion kWh and are likely to be dispatched even more, because it is forecasted that EVN will keep on encountering difficult hydrological and weather conditions.
Bearing the heavy mission of securing electricity supply, however, thermal power plants are facing challenges related to operating mode, environmental temperature, equipment quality, maintenance quality, etc. The Group’s leader requested the power plants to drastically deploy all solutions to overcome existing difficulties and ensure stable operation. Accordingly, they must focus on completing all the maintenance activities in the fourth quarter of 2023 to secure the equipment quality; manage and implement well the Project to improve the reliability and operational efficiency of thermal power plants; develop plans of price offering and dispatching based on technical limits; meet environmental requirements, etc. Not only mobilizing all internal resources, EVN will also invite domestic and foreign experts with experience and in-depth knowledge of coal thermal power to advise and assist the operating process of thermal power plants.
Vinh Tan 2 Thermal Power Plant (Power Generation Corporation 3) - one of units participating in emulation to ensure power generation availability
EVN’s thermal power companies have made specific commitments. Mr. Ta Trung Kien - Director of Thai Binh Thermal Power Company said that the company is committed to completing political tasks, preparing fuels, and ensuring the safe and stable operation of the 2 x 30MW power units. In 2024, Thai Binh 1 Thermal Power Plant will provide the national electricity system with 3.8 billion kWh.
As for Uong Bi Thermal Power Company (Power Generation Corporation 1), Mr. Do Trung Kien - Director of the Company stated that to stably operate the generating units, the company has implemented 6 main solutions including improving management and operational capacity; enhancing equipment to ensure operation meets design parameters; improving the quality and efficiency of maintenance work; promoting digital transformation; managing coal supply flexibly and effectively; promoting environmental protection. The company has implemented a number of specific activities such as monthly or irregular inspection of operation/maintenance work in terms of compliance with procedures, regulations of labor discipline, occupational safety and hygiene and fire prevention; organizing periodic incident drills (once a month) for typical incidents, etc.