The S1 and S2 units of the O Mon I thermal power plant, which run on fuel oil (FO), are scheduled to start operations on May 25 in order to ensure the stability and availability of the national power system, according to the National Power System and Market Operator (NSMO).  

The units are expected to be connected to the national grid on the morning of May 25 to support peak-hour electricity demand, the NSMO said in an announcement.

The move comes as an intense and widespread heatwave continues to affect many parts of Vietnam, placing enormous pressure on the country’s electricity system, especially in Northern Vietnam where power consumption has surged sharply in recent days.

According to the NSMO, despite May 24 falling on a Sunday, electricity demand nationwide remained exceptionally high. By 5 p.m., the national peak load had reached 47,854 MW, equivalent to around 90% of the consumption level typically seen on a normal working day. This marked the highest electricity demand ever recorded on a Sunday in Vietnam. Northern Vietnam alone recorded a peak capacity of 24,722 MW, representing a 16% increase compared to the previous Sunday.

The NSMO forecast that during the evening peak on May 24, the national electricity load could climb to 49,200 MW, with Northern Vietnam accounting for approximately 26,800 MW. This would exceed the previous day’s figure by around 300 MW and set another electricity consumption record for 2026.

Earlier, on May 23, Vietnam’s national power system logged a historic peak capacity of 53,512 MW at 1:45 p.m., while total electricity consumption nationwide reached 1.116 billion kWh.

Although May 23 was a Saturday, Northern Vietnam still posted a record-breaking peak load of 26,562 MW at 10:20 p.m., surpassing the previous high recorded on May 15 by 143 MW.

Electricity consumption across Vietnam’s three regions was distributed unevenly. Northern Vietnam consumed approximately 551 million kWh, accounting for 49.4% of the country’s total electricity output. Southern Vietnam used around 460 million kWh, equivalent to 41.2%, while Central Vietnam consumed 105 million kWh, or 9.4% of the national total.

Meteorological forecasts indicate that on May 25, areas from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang will continue to experience severe and exceptionally severe heat, with temperatures ranging from 38 to 40°C and some places exceeding 40°C.

In Northern Vietnam and Hanoi, temperatures are expected to fluctuate between 36 and 39°C, with some locations approaching 40°C from morning until late afternoon. The prolonged heatwave is expected to further drive up electricity demand.

To ensure stable power supply and maintain grid safety, the national power dispatch authority said it had no choice but to mobilise high-cost fuel oil generators, including the S1 and S2 units at O Mon I.

Authorities also warned that additional diesel oil (DO) generators in Thu Duc and Can Tho could be activated if electricity demand continues to rise sharply.

The NSMO urged residents and businesses to strengthen electricity-saving measures, avoid using multiple high-capacity electrical devices simultaneously during peak hours, and maximise the use of rooftop solar power systems to reduce pressure on the national electricity grid.

Northern, Central Vietnam endure peak heatwave as temperatures exceed 40°C

VOV.VN - Northern and Central Vietnam are facing the most intense heatwave of the summer so far, with temperatures surpassing 40°C in many areas, including Hanoi and several provinces across the country.