Generic Hero BannerGeneric Hero Banner
Latest Market News

Vietnam braces for power crunch, coal in line for boost

  • Spanish Market: Coal
  • 29/05/23

Vietnam could face summer power shortages owing to an expected drop in hydropower generation, state-controlled utility EVN said, potentially exacerbating the country's coal reliance to meet an uptick in electricity demand.

It appears to be a "difficult situation" in terms of power supply as the El Nino phenomenon and hot weather have affected water levels in Vietnam's hydropower reservoirs, it said. The drop in water levels can affect hydropower generation, which accounted for about a quarter of Vietnam's overall power generation in the first quarter.

As many as 11 out of the country's 47 large hydropower reservoirs have reached or are about to reach the so-called dead water level — the point at which water cannot flow downstream from the dam to help in hydropower generation, EVN said. Poor water flows have affected operations at about 12 other large reservoirs, while the others are operating at lower capacities.

A drop in domestic hydropower generation could exacerbate Vietnam's reliance on coal power, which accounted for 45pc of power generation in the first quarter, and support the prospect of demand for domestic and imported coal.

Vietnam imported about 8.57mn t coal in the first quarter, up by about 34pc from an estimated 6.41mn t a year earlier, preliminary data from Vietnam's General Statistics Office show. The import data do not differentiate between coking and thermal coal.

But loss-making EVN may not have enough financial bandwidth to boost coal imports quickly to offset any potential loss in hydropower generation and catapult power generation, despite a recent move to raise retail power prices to pass on some costs to consumers.

EVN raised the average retail electricity price to 1,920.37 dong/kWh (8¢/kWh) from D1,864.44/kWh, excluding value added tax, from 4 May. Domestic coal reserves and supplies are limited, partly causing cash-strapped power plants to run at lower capacities and crimping their ability to fully meet peak demand.

Power consumption in Vietnam reached 43.3GW in May, the highest since the beginning of this year. It was up by 9.1pc from May last year. Power demand is expected to rise further during the drier months of June-July, the utility said.

Electricity-saving measures

EVN has issued an advisory to local authorities to ensure economical and efficient use of electricity.

Schools, hospitals and non-business and administrative units are asked to reduce monthly electricity consumption by 5-10pc, while public lighting units are advised to cut electricity consumption by 50pc from a year earlier. EVN has advised business establishments including restaurants, hotels and office complexes to cut 50pc of their outdoor advertising lighting capacity at night.

EVN has also asked industrial units and large electricity consumers to implement voluntary load adjustment to reduce electricity consumption. It has asked households to reduce consumption and advised them to not set air-conditioner temperatures below 26°C.


Related news posts

Argus illuminates the markets by putting a lens on the areas that matter most to you. The market news and commentary we publish reveals vital insights that enable you to make stronger, well-informed decisions. Explore a selection of news stories related to this one.

17/03/25

Indonesia’s RMK raises 2024 coal loading, sales volumes

Indonesia’s RMK raises 2024 coal loading, sales volumes

Manila, 17 March (Argus) — Indonesian coal logistics and mining firm RMK Energy raised its coal loading and sales volumes in 2024 compared with 2023 on the back of higher coal production out of Sumatra. The total volume of coal loaded onto barges rose by 19pc to 9.02mn t of coal in 2024, up from 7.56mn t a year earlier, the company said. The increase was because of higher output from mining companies in Sumatra that used RMK for its logistics service, according to the firm. The company's total coal sales rose by 19pc to 2.81mn t in 2024. This was despite lower coal output from its coal mines, which fell by 13pc to 900,120t in 2024 from 1.035mn t in 2023. The decrease was because the company opted to focus on developing new areas, RMK said. The firm moved more overburden material in 2024, which resulted in an increase in the mine's strip ratio and coal cash cost. RMK sourced its coal from other mining companies through its trading arm to offset this, the company said. The company produces GAR 3,000-4,200kcal/kg coal which is sold mainly for blending purposes. RMK has set higher operational targets for 2025 on projections of increased output from Sumatra's mining companies and in order to offset continued weak prices of coal. Total coal sales are targeted to reach 3.8mn t in 2025, a 35pc increase on the year. Barge loading volumes are targeted to reach 11mn t, a 24pc increase on the year. RMK will also focus on improving its logistics infrastructure. This includes the integration of new coal mines such as the Wiraduta Sejahtera Langgeng (WSL) and Duta Bara Utama (DBU) into the company's dedicated coal hauling road as well as upgrades to loading and unloading stations to support higher coal transportation volumes, the company said. By Antonio delos Reyes Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

New Zealand's Genesis Energy signs wood pellet deal


14/03/25
14/03/25

New Zealand's Genesis Energy signs wood pellet deal

Sydney, 14 March (Argus) — New Zealand utility Genesis Energy has signed an initial agreement with biomass developer Carbona to study the viability of commercial wood pellet supply to the Huntly Power Station, supporting efforts to transition it from coal-fired power to wood-fired. Carbona is also building a 180,000 t/yr torrefied wood pellet plant in central North Island, it announced on 14 March. The company plans to sell the pellets it produces at the site to major utilities in New Zealand and abroad, beginning in 2028. Genesis-operated Huntly is New Zealand's largest power station, supplying the country's grid with 1,200MW, and currently runs on gas-fired and coal-fired generators. But Genesis has been exploring opportunities to substitute coal with biomass at Huntly over recent years. Genesis signed a non-binding pellet purchase agreement with Australian biomass producer Foresta last month. The utility at that time said that it would need 300,000 t/yr of torrefied wood pellets by 2028 to achieve its coal reduction goals. Carbona's deal with Genesis also comes just days after the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment released data showing that coal and gas-fired electricity generation across New Zealand collapsed in the October-December 2024 quarter , dropping by 42pc on the year. By Avinash Govind Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Lower Rio Tinto Al output cuts New Zealand power demand


13/03/25
13/03/25

Lower Rio Tinto Al output cuts New Zealand power demand

Sydney, 13 March (Argus) — New Zealand's industrial electricity demand fell on the year in October-December 2024, after Rio Tinto cut production at its Tiwai Point aluminium smelter in the previous quarter. The country's industrial electricity demand was down by 9pc compared with a year earlier, data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment show ( see table ). Rio Tinto cut production at Tiwai Point in late-July 2024, after New Zealand utility Meridian Energy requested that it reduce its energy use by 205 MW. Many of the plant's potlines remained off line until late-September 2024, when Rio Tinto began restarting production at a reduced level. The Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter is New Zealand's largest industrial energy user, consuming 572MW of power, often accounting for 12-13pc of national electricity demand, according to New Zealand's Electricity Authority. But it only accounted for about 10pc of total demand in October-December because of its lower production level. Rio Tinto's decreased power use and the country's rising geothermal generation in October-December pushed New Zealand's coal- and gas-fired generation to their lowest levels since late-2022. Utilities produced 2.1PJ from coal- and gas-fired generation, down by 73pc on the quarter and by 42pc on the year ( see table ). Coal- and gas-fired plants accounted for just 6pc of total generation in the fourth quarter of 2024, down from 19pc in July-September and 10pc a year earlier. Meanwhile, New Zealand's renewable power generation grew in importance over October-December, even as the government continued taking steps to promote coal- and gas-fired generation. The share of renewable electricity rose to 94.3pc, the highest level since December 2022 and the fourth highest on record. The New Zealand government is eager to promote oil, gas and petroleum generation, resources minister Shane Jones told Argus in December 2024. New Zealand's government has rolled back a ban on offshore gas exploration and has been fast-tracking coal developments since taking office in 2023. The country's largest utility, Meridian Energy, also warned of a structural gas shortage in late February, calling for new gas exploration. By Avinash Govind New Zealand Energy Quarterly Oct-Dec '24 Jul-Sep '24 Oct-Dec '23 q-o-q ± % y-o-y ± % Electricity Consumption (PJ) Industrial 11.0 10.1 12.1 8.7 -9.0 Total 33.7 38.1 35.2 -11.4 -4.3 Electricity Production (PJ) Coal 0.5 3.2 1.3 -84.9 -64.2 Gas 1.7 4.6 2.4 -63.8 -29.8 Geothermal 7.6 8.5 7.1 -10.9 6.6 Total 37.7 41.5 38.2 -9.3 -1.4 Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

US headline inflation eases in February


12/03/25
12/03/25

US headline inflation eases in February

Houston, 12 March (Argus) — US inflation fell in February for the first time in four months, an unexpected improvement amid mounting uncertainty over the new US administration's tariff, immigration and spending policies. The consumer price index (CPI) slowed to an annual rate of 2.8pc in February, down from 3pc in January, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. Analysts surveyed by Trading Economics had forecast a 2.9pc rate. Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy, rose at a 3.1pc annual rate, down from 3.3pc the prior month and the lowest since April 2021. The deceleration in inflation comes as the Federal Reserve has signaled it is in no hurry to change its policy stance as it weighs the impacts of President Donald Trump's tariffs and other policies, which most economists warn will spur inflation. The Fed is widely expected to hold rates unchanged at its policy meeting next week after pausing in January following three rate cuts in the final months of 2024. The energy index fell by an annual 0.2pc in February from 1pc growth in January. Gasoline fell by 3.1pc. Piped gas rose by 6pc. Food rose by an annual 2.6pc, accelerating from 2.5pc. Eggs surged by an annual 59pc, as avian flu has slashed supply. Shelter rose by 4.2pc, accounting for nearly half of the overall monthly gain in CPI, slowing from 4.4pc in January. Services less energy services rose by 4.1pc, slowing from 4.3pc in January. New vehicles fell by 0.3pc for a second month. Transportation services rose by an annual 6pc, slowing from 8pc in January. Car insurance was up by an annual 11.1pc and airline fares fell by 0.7pc. CPI slowed to a monthly 0.2pc gain in February from 0.5pc in January, which was the most since August 202 3. By Bob Willis Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Trump to declare power 'emergency' in some states


11/03/25
11/03/25

Trump to declare power 'emergency' in some states

Washington, 11 March (Argus) — President Donald Trump said today he intends to declare a "National Emergency on Electricity" in states that could be affected by Ontario's imposition of a 25pc surcharge on electricity exports and further threat to cut off exports entirely. The emergency declaration will allow the US to alleviate the "abusive threat" from losing electricity imports from Canada, Trump wrote in a post on social media. Trump said in response to the surcharge, he would double existing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum , and warned Canada that it would pay a high cost if Ontario cuts off the flow of electricity to the US. "Can you imagine Canada stooping so low as to use ELECTRICITY, that so affects the life of innocent people, as a bargaining chip and threat?" Trump wrote. "They will pay a financial price for this so big that it will be read about in History Books for many years to come!" On Monday, Ontario put a 25pc fee on its electricity exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota in response to Trump's tariffs on Canada. Ontario premier Doug Ford said he was applying "maximum pressure" on the US over its tariff war, and threatened to cut off exports entirely if Trump increased tariffs further. Ontario was the largest exporter of electricity to the US in 2023, sending 15.2 TWh to the US. Trump already declared a national energy emergency on 20 January, unlocking emergency authorities to fast-track permitting and seek to retain production of baseload power plants. Trump has yet to offer more details on the electricity emergency, but the US Department of Energy (DOE) can issue emergency orders that would allow power plants to run at maximum capacity or waive some environmental regulations. DOE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The New York Independent System Operator, which runs the state's electric grid, said it was analyzing the effects of Ontario's orders and expects to have "adequate reserves to meet reliability criteria and forecast demand for New York." By Chris Knight Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Generic Hero Banner

Business intelligence reports

Get concise, trustworthy and unbiased analysis of the latest trends and developments in oil and energy markets. These reports are specially created for decision makers who don’t have time to track markets day-by-day, minute-by-minute.

Learn more