Vietnam exerts pressure on delayed power projects

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April 14 – Two delayed major utility projects set to augment the country’s chronic blackouts have been given a May 1 deadline by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai. The Nhon Trach 1 and Ca Mau 2 gas-fueled projects remain unfinished and are three to eight months behind.

The 450-megawatt Nhon Trach 1 and 750-megawatt Ca Mau 2 projects are expected to supply power when the dry season starts from November to June.

According to Thanh Nien News, Hai said that should there be any more delays, the leaders of state-owned companies involved in the projects will be investigated. He added that work on other delayed power projects should also be sped up.

The delays are said to have been attributed to late payments to contractors, surging construction prices and lack of workers.

The country’s electric supply from hydro-power plants had been severely disrupted by this year’s low river water levels.

Sources say Vietnam will continue to be plagued by electricity shortages until the end of the dry season. The year’s forecast electricity output is 1,100 megawatts less than the target.