Vietnam: Power sector seeks way to go green over power shortage

Vietnam: Power sector seeks way to go green over power shortage

Vietnam's electricity supply might meet only half of total demand in the
future, predicted Tran Trong Quyet, vice chairman of the Southern Power
Association.

Hydropower, renewable and gas-fueled thermal power are expected to provide
48.3 percent of power demand by 2020 and 39.9 percent by 2030, while power
demand is expected to increase 9 - 10 percent each year during 2016 -2030.

Furthermore, the Government halted two nuclear power projects in the central
province of Ninh Thuan, therefore, coal power is needed for power security
but has drawbacks in economic efficiency and environmental pollution.

Quyet said renewable power would be better for the environment but requires
huge initial investment.

Coal power needs a lot of land, causes environmental issues and is
expensive, but still plays an important role in ensuring national power
security, he added.

To limit the impact of coal power, Quyet warned that technology to deal with
coal slag must be used carefully, besides measures to ensure coal supply.

The Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) has used significant sums on treating
exhaust fumes from old coal thermal power plants, including Pha Lai, which
received more than 1.34 trillion VND (58.96 million USD), Hai Phong 1.57
trillion VND (69.08 million USD) and Quang Ninh 1.74 trillion VND (76.56
million VND).

Nguyen Van Thu, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Mechanical Industry,
stressed the necessity of coal-based energy.

He recommended the Government issue policies and regulations to ensure
sustainable development of this power, instead of enterprises selecting
their own technologies and contractors.

Mentioning 14 coal thermal power projects earmarked for the Mekong Delta
region, he said the construction must be done following strict technology
requirements.

The sun is also a prominent source of energy, with the south paying more
attention to solar power. The EVN Southern Power Corporation is investing in
a solar battery project on Con Dao island.

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Link to Original Article:
http://en.vietnamplus.vn/power-sector-seeks-way-to-go-green-over-power-short
age/112399.vnp

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com