If not already mesmerised by the traffic, visitors to
Vietnam's large cities often comment on the mass of cables that
hang like jungle vines across the streets.
Along with the ubiquitous motorcycle, the sight of electrical
poles that look more like birds' nests is emblematic of
modern-day Vietnam. It is also a clear sign that the country's
power infrastructure has some serious catching up to do.
As mentioned in
last week's post, Vietnam has achieved significant growth
over the last couple of decades. Reforms have paved the way for
international trade and investment, as well as rising incomes for
Vietnamese citizens. The face of cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh
City are changing rapidly, with shiny new developments cropping up
as far as the eye can see. Many areas are unrecognisable compared
to just ten or twenty years ago. Power needs are marching in
lockstep with growth. Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) is the
country's largest power company, and as of 2015 had
