According to Nguyen Manh Quang, deputy head of the Business and Power Purchase Department under the Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the national power system has faced “dual pressure” since the beginning of 2026 because of rapidly increasing electricity demand and geopolitical developments affecting imported fuel supplies. The forecast impact of the El Nino phenomenon is also expected to reduce water inflows into hydropower reservoirs, creating additional strain on electricity generation capacity. In response, EVN has implemented measures aligned with Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW of the Politburo and Directive No. 10/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister. The utility has formed a steering committee dedicated to electricity supply management for 2026 while coordinating with the National System and Market Operator (NSMO) to create flexible operating scenarios designed to maintain energy security and avoid a power shortage situation during the dry season.

Among EVN’s major priorities is the expansion of self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power. Power corporations have introduced online registration systems through websites and customer service applications to simplify customer participation. EVN has additionally proposed a “one-stop-shop” mechanism to streamline investment procedures while also recommending green credit policies and preferential financing support. Alongside rooftop solar development, EVN is pushing forward electricity-saving programmes and demand response (DR) initiatives. The utility aims to save 3% of total electricity consumption in 2026 while targeting a reduction of around 10% during the peak dry-season period between April and July. Industrial parks and businesses are being encouraged to shift operating schedules away from peak hours to help ease pressure on the grid and reduce the likelihood of a power shortage.

EVN is also studying adjustments to peak-hour electricity pricing, including extending the peak pricing window from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to better align with current consumption patterns. At the same time, the company is evaluating additional incentives for customers participating in demand response programmes. As renewable energy contributes a growing share of Vietnam’s electricity mix, battery energy storage systems are increasingly viewed as critical to improving grid stability. EVN has tasked the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC) with developing 530 MW of BESS capacity, while the Hanoi Power Corporation (EVNHANOI) is assigned 275 MW and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) approximately 300 MW. These projects are expected to support transmission flexibility and ease grid pressure during peak demand periods.

Nguyen The Huu, Deputy Director of the Electricity Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said the ministry approved the national power system operation plan for 2026 in late 2025. Under the base scenario, electricity demand growth is projected at around 8.5%, although an extreme dry-season scenario could see growth rise to 14.1%. To address these risks, the ministry is prioritising efficient use of all available power sources, especially hydropower. Reservoirs in northern Vietnam are maintaining elevated water levels ahead of peak dry-season demand. Authorities are simultaneously working to strengthen fuel supply for gas-fired thermal plants and accelerate major generation and transmission projects. The Vung Ang II thermal power plant has entered commercial operation, contributing around 1,300 MW to the national grid, while upgrades at several 500kV substations, including Pho Noi, Lai Chau and Hoa Binh, are intended to improve electricity transmission to northern regions.

The ministry has also directed power producers to maintain strict maintenance schedules to maximise generating unit availability while continuing the rollout of BESS, rooftop solar systems and demand-side management initiatives. Authorities noted that tensions in the Middle East have affected global LNG supply and prices and indirectly influenced coal markets through rising transportation costs. However, officials stated the impact on Vietnam remains limited because imported LNG still accounts for a relatively small proportion of the country’s power generation fuel mix. Regarding coal supply, relevant agencies have been instructed to diversify suppliers, increase reserves and strengthen domestic mining capacity to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability for power generation.

By the end of the first quarter of 2026, renewable energy sources including wind, solar and biomass represented approximately 26% of Vietnam’s installed power capacity. Despite this progress, these resources remain highly dependent on weather conditions, prompting authorities to view pumped-storage hydropower and energy storage systems as essential for improving power regulation and renewable energy optimisation. EVN also warned that pressure on electricity supply is expected to increase during the second quarter of 2026 due to hotter weather, industrial recovery, the expansion of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, and rising electric vehicle adoption.

To maintain system reliability, EVN has instructed generating units to secure adequate fuel supplies, maintain generating unit availability according to NSMO requirements, and operate hydropower reservoirs flexibly to balance agricultural water needs with electricity generation. EVNNPT is focusing on equipment maintenance, accelerating BESS installation and ensuring safe transmission operations, particularly in northern Vietnam. Meanwhile, EVN is expediting several major projects, including the Quang Trach I thermal power plant, which is expected to connect its first unit to the national grid in April 2026 and begin commercial operation in May 2026. Development work is also progressing on the Quang Trach II and III LNG power plants, the expanded Tri An hydropower plant and the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower project.

Several urgent transmission projects are also scheduled for completion during the second quarter of 2026, including the 500/220kV Nho Quan – Phu Ly – Thuong Tin transmission line, the 220kV Nhon Trach 3 power plant – Long Thanh line, the 220kV West Hanoi – Thanh Xuan line, the 220kV Dai Mo substation, and 110kV transmission lines supplying power to Phu Quoc ahead of APEC-related activities. Through coordinated efforts across power generation, transmission, electricity conservation, energy storage and demand management, Vietnam’s power sector aims to maintain energy security, fight power shortage and support socio-economic development despite continuing volatility in the global energy market.

A recent government directive, issued following a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, mandates authorities to guarantee an uninterrupted energy supply. A key component of this plan involves enhancing electricity imports from neighboring countries, with a pronounced focus on Laos and China. The directive underscores Vietnam’s growing dependence on cross-border power trade, highlighting Laos’s pivotal role due to its expanding portfolio of hydropower and renewable energy projects.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been tasked with expediting the construction of additional power lines to facilitate greater electricity transmission to northern Vietnam. These infrastructure improvements are targeted for implementation as early as 2027, signaling a commitment to strengthening the physical links for power exchange.

Recent data illustrates the escalating importance of Laos in Vietnam’s energy matrix. In the first quarter of 2026, Laos supplied a record 2.92 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity to Vietnam, representing approximately 3.8 percent of Vietnam’s total power output, according to a report. This figure represents a substantial increase of nearly 120 percent compared to the 1.33 billion kWh transmitted in the same period of 2025, a testament to improved cross-border transmission capabilities and the successful commissioning of new renewable energy initiatives in Laos.

By the close of 2025, Vietnamese authorities had already greenlit electricity imports from 47 projects located in Laos, collectively boasting an installed capacity of 8,260 megawatts (MW). Of these, power plants with an installed capacity of 2,379 MW were actively supplying electricity last year, an increase from the 1,700 MW in 2024, indicating a robust pipeline of export-oriented generation projects in Laos.

In a significant development, the Vietnamese government has expressed its readiness to review existing inter-governmental agreements and adjust its national power development plan to accommodate larger electricity purchases from Laos. This flexibility is expected to unlock further opportunities for Lao energy exports as more generation capacity comes online. This aligns directly with the Lao government’s ambition to establish itself as a substantial regional energy exporter, capitalizing on its extensive hydropower resources and burgeoning investments in wind and solar energy. The increasing demand from Vietnam is poised to boost export revenues and stimulate further investment in Laos’s energy sector, especially as new generation capacity becomes operational.

While Vietnam is concurrently exploring short-term contingency measures, such as the potential deployment of floating power plants to address immediate supply gaps, particularly in its industrialized northern region, imports from Laos are projected to assume a more sustainable and significant role in meeting medium to long-term energy demands. The directive also advocates for enhanced energy efficiency through electricity-saving campaigns and the wider adoption of rooftop solar systems integrated with battery storage. These initiatives are designed to alleviate pressure on the national grid and support a broader transition towards cleaner energy sources. As regional energy integration deepens, the power partnership between Laos and Vietnam is poised to become a crucial component of mainland Southeast Asia’s evolving energy infrastructure.

At the event, Dr. Al-Zamel, who is leading Kuwait’s delegation, noted the platform’s value in exploring cutting-edge manufacturing and energy technologies. The participation provides a crucial avenue to identify potential partnerships with entities in the United Arab Emirates and other participating nations. This pursuit of cooperation is seen as vital for bolstering regional integration and driving economic progress within the Kuwait power sector.

The “Make it in the Emirates 2026” event, now in its fifth year, serves as a comprehensive gathering for ministers, business leaders, investors, and innovators. It offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the latest advancements and technologies. Dr. Al-Zamel expressed appreciation for the UAE’s organizational efforts, recognizing the platform as a premier venue for connecting decision-makers, experts, and investors globally.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity and Water is dedicated to cultivating strategic alliances and broadening its collaborative efforts with both regional and international partners. This approach is designed to advance the energy sector’s development, stimulate innovation, and achieve sustainability targets, aligning with Kuwait’s forward-looking vision for a more efficient and enduring energy future. The delegation from Kuwait includes representatives from various governmental sectors, including electricity, public works, and housing, emphasizing a cross-sectoral approach to development.

The four-day event features extensive exhibition space with numerous exhibitors showcasing manufacturing opportunities, products, and technologies across a diverse range of sectors, including advanced manufacturing and energy cooperation. The focus remains on strengthening supply chains, fostering innovation, and developing the workforce to meet future demands within the broader energy landscape and beyond. The Kuwait power sector’s engagement at such events is a testament to its proactive stance in global energy dialogues.

“Energy and digital access will define the region’s future,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “These two initiatives build the systems Asia and the Pacific need to grow, compete, and connect. By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can lower costs, expand opportunity, and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of people.” His remarks underscore the central role that power grids and digital networks will play in shaping long-term regional growth.

At the core of the strategy is the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative, which aims to connect national and subregional systems to enable renewable energy to move efficiently across borders. Through collaboration with governments, utilities, private sector participants, and development partners, ADB plans to mobilize $50 billion by 2035 for cross-border power infrastructure. The effort will prioritize transmission expansion, grid integration, substations, storage, and grid digitalization, alongside generation projects tied to electricity trade. By 2035, targets include integrating about 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders, building 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines, improving energy access for 200 million people, generating 840,000 jobs, and reducing regional power sector emissions by 15%. The shift signals a move toward a more coordinated regional framework, building on existing programs such as the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation grid interconnection planning, the ASEAN Power Grid, and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Energy Strategy 2030.

Complementing this, the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway will mobilize $20 billion by 2035 to expand digital corridors and data infrastructure, helping economies capitalize on AI-driven growth. Investments will cover terrestrial and subsea fiber networks, satellite connectivity, and regional data centers, alongside policy and regulatory support such as cybersecurity risk management and skills development. The initiative aims to deliver first-time broadband access to 200 million people and improve connectivity for another 450 million, while lowering costs in remote and landlocked areas by about 40% and creating 4 million jobs. ADB plans to finance $15 billion directly and raise $5 billion through cofinancing, with additional backing from the Government of the Republic of Korea for a Center for AI Innovation and Development in Seoul. Together, these initiatives reinforce the integration of power grids and digital networks, positioning them as critical drivers of inclusive and resilient growth.

Speaking at the Canadian Nuclear Association Conference on 29th April 2026, Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Canada, confirmed that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is preparing a far-reaching Nuclear Energy Strategy for Canada, scheduled for release by the end of 2026. This nuclear energy strategy is designed to build on Canada’s long-standing expertise, including advancements in CANDU technology, significant uranium reserves, a highly skilled workforce, and a globally respected safety framework. The plan is expected to support industry growth, enhance energy affordability, and strengthen domestic energy security, while also positioning Canada to capitalize on a global nuclear sector projected to expand by up to $200 billion annually by 2030.

The nuclear energy strategy will be organized around four central pillars, namely enabling new builds across Canada, establishing the country as a global supplier and exporter of choice, expanding uranium production and nuclear fuel opportunities and finally, advancing Canadian innovation in nuclear technologies, including both fission and fusion. Through collaboration with provinces, territories, utilities, industry stakeholders, Indigenous partners, and labour groups, the initiative aims to expand the national grid and accelerate electrification.

As part of these efforts, Minister Hodgson also announced, on behalf of David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence of Canada, an initial $40 million investment for 2026-2027 through the Department of National Defence (DND). This funding will assess the viability of a Canadian-controlled microreactor capable of supplying heat and electricity to remote and northern DND and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations. Complementing this, the federal government has committed $2.2 billion over ten years to modernize Chalk River Laboratories, including the development of the Advanced Materials Research Centre and other critical infrastructure. These investments will consolidate outdated facilities into a modern research complex, supporting continued leadership in areas such as CANDU technology, nuclear safety, small modular reactors, and reactor fuel development.

Over the past three to four years, a comprehensive roadmap for this significant energy development has been meticulously crafted. This collaborative effort involved the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, alongside other key stakeholders, and the Turkish Wind Energy Association (TÜREB). İbrahim Erden, President of TÜREB, highlighted that the process extends beyond technical considerations, encompassing vital aspects like financing models and tender mechanisms.

“We provided comprehensive contributions, both written and oral, on tender mechanisms, financing models and site selection,” Erden stated, underscoring the depth of stakeholder involvement in shaping the renewable energy strategy.

Preliminary assessments have identified the Marmara and Aegean coasts as particularly promising locations for wind power generation, owing to favorable sea depth conditions. The identified corridor, stretching from the Northern Aegean towards İzmir and the Marmara coasts, has been designated as a priority area for studies targeting the 5,000 MW potential. Currently, preliminary site selections are complete, and institutional opinions are being gathered.

A rigorous approach is being employed to ensure the responsible development of offshore wind energy. Sensitive ecological zones, including continental shelves and protected areas, are being carefully avoided. Erden emphasized the thorough evaluation process, which considered a wide array of criteria such as protected zones, fish migration routes, international maritime corridors, military security areas, and radar systems. This holistic approach is integral to the successful green energy transition.

Recognizing the long lead times inherent in offshore projects, Erden noted that it typically takes four to five years from the tender award to the installation of turbines. He described the target of installing 1 gigawatt (GW) annually between 2030 and 2035 as a realistic objective for the nation’s renewable energy expansion.

While offshore wind farms are approximately 2.5 to 3 times more costly than their land-based counterparts, they yield significantly higher energy output, generating 30 to 50 percent more electricity. Achieving the ambitious 5,000 MW goal will necessitate annual investments in the range of $2.5–3 billion. This strategic push into offshore wind energy signals a major commitment to bolstering Türkiye’s renewable energy portfolio and advancing its green energy goals.

The core objective of this large-scale grid investment is to equip the existing electricity grid to effectively manage an increased reliance on renewable power sources. As Western Australia plans the phased closure of its coal-fired power stations over the next decade, the transmission infrastructure must be robust enough to accommodate a significantly larger influx of electricity generated from solar and wind farms. This strategic investment is crucial for the future reliability and capacity of energy distribution.

Currently, a notable challenge hindering the expansion of renewable energy projects in the region is the limited capacity of the transmission network. This constraint often prevents the efficient transport of electricity from remote areas, rich in renewable resources, to urban and industrial centers where demand is concentrated. To overcome this bottleneck, the government plans to construct hundreds of kilometers of new, high-capacity transmission lines. These new “energy highways” are envisioned to create vital connections between renewable energy zones and large-scale battery storage systems, ultimately integrating them seamlessly with the main grid.

This infrastructural development is paramount not only for environmental sustainability but also for fostering robust economic growth. A modernized and strengthened electricity grid is deemed essential to underpin the development of emerging green industries. Sectors poised for significant expansion, such as green hydrogen production and advanced lithium processing, necessitate a dependable and substantial supply of clean electricity to remain competitive on a global scale. By investing proactively in grid infrastructure, the state aims to attract new businesses and cultivate enduring economic opportunities, positioning Western Australia as a pivotal player in the global clean energy transition.

This grid investment forms a key component of the broader Powering WA strategy, emphasizing enhanced planning and coordination across the state’s energy infrastructure. The government anticipates that this significant public funding will act as a catalyst, encouraging further private sector investment in renewable energy projects and accelerating the transformation of the state’s energy system for years to come. The upgrades will ultimately ensure a more stable and reliable electricity supply, mitigating the risk of power disruptions while simultaneously driving down carbon emissions.

Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister of Science and Technology, said: “The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project serves as a symbol of Bangladesh’s scientific progress and demonstrates the country’s willingness and ability to responsibly and effectively harness advanced technologies.”

His remarks underscore the strategic importance of fuel loading in advancing energy security and reinforcing Bangladesh nuclear energy ambitions. The progress at Rooppur highlights how the integration of nuclear fuel assemblies is central to the country’s broader push toward industrial growth and technological development.

The project is being implemented with the support of Rosatom, whose Director General Alexei Likhachev, said: “The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will undoubtedly become a vital element of the country’s energy system.”

The ongoing fuel loading operation further reflects the collaboration between Bangladesh and Rosatom in delivering large-scale nuclear infrastructure.

The Rooppur project has evolved over more than a decade. In February 2011, Russia’s Rosatom signed an agreement for two reactors at the site, located about 160 kilometres from Dhaka, for the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. A USD12.65 billion contract followed in December 2015, while the Bangladesh Atomic Regulatory Authority issued the first site licence in June 2016, enabling preliminary works. Construction of unit 1 began in November 2017, with unit 2 following in July 2018. Designed for a 60-year life-cycle with a possible 20-year extension, the plant received its first batch of nuclear fuel in October 2023, marking its recognition as a nuclear facility. Subsequent milestones included turbine installation, hydraulic and hot functional tests, and finally an operating licence issued by the Bangladesh Nuclear Regulatory Authority on 16 April, paving the way for the current fuel loading phase.

At the same time, ČEZ established a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to evaluate potential investment models. This secondary agreement creates a specific working group designed to figure out funding mechanisms, foster cooperation between the governments of the UK and the Czech Republic, and ensure the project aligns with current legislative and regulatory standards.

Daniel Beneš, Chairman of the Board and CEO of ČEZ, which holds a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “ČEZ’s cooperation with Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity in the field of nuclear energy, also thanks to our participation in the development of the technology. Thanks to the small modular reactor project, the Czech Republic and Czech industry can use and further deepen their traditional nuclear know-how. We are counting on small modular reactors alongside large nuclear power plants and renewable sources … equally important is the memorandum concluded with the state. State support is essential for such a large project, similar to the construction of new nuclear sources in Dukovany.”

Government representatives have also emphasized the broader strategic significance of the early works contract signing.

Karel Havlíček, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of Czech Republic, said: “The Czech Republic must build its energy future on stable, safe and emission-free sources that will ensure affordable energy prices and the long-term competitiveness of the industry. Small modular reactors represent a technological opportunity with a European impact and at the same time a chance for Czech companies and research to join the top of the global nuclear industry.”

Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR CEO, added: “This important contract unlocks a significant programme of work at the Temelín site, which will be delivered alongside our strategic partner and shareholder, ČEZ … with contractual commitments now in place in both the UK and Czechia, Rolls-Royce SMR becomes the only company with multiple contractual commitments to deliver SMR units in Europe.”

Recently Rolls Royce-SMR formalised a contract with Great British Energy-Nuclear for the deployment of UK’s first SMR technology.

Positioned as a flagship initiative for the country, the project combines a 1 GW onshore wind farm with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The wind facility will comprise 150 turbines, while the storage component, with a capacity of 600 MWh, will be supplied by Saft, a wholly owned affiliate of TotalEnergies. This integrated configuration is designed to deliver reliable electricity to the national grid, with the storage system playing a critical role in improving grid stability. TotalEnergies retains a 60% stake in the project, partnering with Samruk Energy and KazMunayGas, each holding 20%. The Mirny wind and BESS project thus reflects a collaborative approach to strengthening Kazakhstan’s renewable energy infrastructure.

Financial backing for the project has been formalized through a Common Terms Agreement (CTA) signed between TotalEnergies, its partners, and an international consortium of lenders. The consortium includes European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Proparco, Development Bank of Kazakhstan, DEG, Société Générale, QNB Group, China Construction Bank, and Standard Chartered. This agreement establishes the financial framework required to advance the Mirny wind and BESS project, ensuring the availability of capital from a diverse set of global institutions.

“We are delighted to launch one of Kazakhstan’s largest renewable energy initiatives to date, thereby contributing to the country’s target of increasing the share of renewables in electricity generation to 15% by 2030. We look forward to advancing construction of the Mirny project alongside our partners and in cooperation with the Kazakhstani authorities”, said Olivier Jouny, SVP Renewables at TotalEnergies.

“This 1 GW onshore wind farm will also contribute to the 9 GW renewables portfolio that we are combining with Masdar through a 50/50 joint venture across nine Asian countries, including Kazakhstan”, he added.