HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's total output of electricity from renewable sources hit 9.5 billion kWh in the first four months of 2021, up 156.9 per cent year-on-year, and accounting for 11.8 per cent of the total electricity output, according to a report by Vietnam Electricity (EVN).

The electricity output from solar energy alone reached 8.73 billion kWh, an almost three-fold increase compared to the same period last year.

During January-April, the country produced a total of 18.39 billion kWh from hydropower, up 59.3 per cent year-on-year, and making up 22.8 per cent of the total.

The thermal power electricity yield reached 41.48 billion kWh, a decrease of 8.7 per cent compared to 2020, accounting for 51.4 per cent of the total. The total output of electricity generated by gas turbines was 10.55 billion kWh, down 16.4 per cent, and equivalent to 13.2 per cent of the total.

The output of oil-fuelled thermal power plant was small, reaching 2 million kWh, while electricity import volume stood at 481 million kWh, down 62.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2020, and accounting for 0.6 per cent of the total electricity production of the whole system.

The average daily electricity consumption of the whole system is expected to reach 774.3 million kWh per day in May, and the largest load capacity is estimated at 39,859 MW, as severe heat waves are forecast to linger throughout the country.

EVN also sets a target of fulfilling the dual tasks of ensuring COVID-19 prevention and control and providing sufficient electricity for socio-economic development and people’s daily activities, especially during the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for the 2021-2026 term on May 23. — VNS