Vietnam Doubles Down on Electricity Imports From Laos
EVN's new 500kV line will boost Laos electricity imports by 50%, adding 1.7 billion kWh annually to ease Vietnam's power demand.
[Vietnam Doubles Down on Electricity Imports From Laos]
In the summer of 2023, living in Ha Noi meant enduring not just a heatwave but rolling blackouts. When air conditioning becomes a luxury, you learn fast how much electricity matters. As Vietnam's economy grows, power demand keeps climbing — but help is coming from next door.
▍ A New Transmission Line
The 500kV Monsoon–Thanh My line is EVN's latest achievement. Construction began in September 2023 and was energized just 16 months later. The new line will boost annual electricity imports from Laos by 50%, adding 1.7 billion kWh on top of the existing 3.5 billion kWh.
▍ Price Advantage
Since 2016, Vietnam has purchased hydropower from Laos at just USD 0.0695 per kWh — affordable and clean. Laos's hydropower output is substantial: the 3.5 billion kWh Vietnam imports annually is roughly equivalent to Taiwan's entire annual hydropower generation.
▍ A Clean Energy Future
Cross-border electricity from Laos and China currently accounts for 1.4% of Vietnam's total consumption. The share is small, but the strategic significance is real. Expanding hydropower imports eases domestic supply pressure and advances Vietnam's clean energy goals.
Next time you walk down Ha Noi's brightly lit streets, some of that power may well be flowing from the Mekong River next door.
