Nghiên cứu khả năng mở rộng công suất các nhà máy thủy điện

Abstract

In the context of the rapidly increasing share of renewable energy sources, the Vietnamese power system increasingly requires flexible generation resources to ensure safe and stable operation. This study aims to assess the capacity expansion potential of existing hydropower plants, as the remaining potential for developing new large-scale hydropower projects is nearly exhausted. The study proposes evaluation criteria based on Number of hours of installed capacity utilization and the number of hours ensuring available capacity generation during the dry season. The results, applied to 20 large hydropower plants with long-term regulation capability, indicate that the expansion potential depends significantly on the regulation degree of the reservoirs. To satisfy a minimum peak-load support requirement of 5 hours, the total additional expandable capacity is estimated at approximately 6,500 MW. The findings provide a scientific basis for planning the development of energy storage resources  and enhancing national energy security.