On March 28, 3, in Hanoi, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Vietnam held a technical meeting on the roadmap to transition from coal-fired power generation to sustainable alternatives.
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The objective of this technical meeting is to provide updates on policy and technology for the conversion of coal-fired power plants, international experience on best available technology (BAT), costs , the potential benefits and impacts of the conversion process, and discuss different options for decommissioning, repurposing and rehabilitating different types of coal-fired power plants.
The meeting also facilitated connections between investors of power plants with potential investors and financial institutions to explore future investment opportunities for the transition process of power plants. coal power plants.
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This meeting brings together key stakeholders from a variety of sectors, including government agencies, members of the International Partnership Group (IPG) and GFANZ, coal-fired power plants, financial institutions, banks, investors, development partners and NGOs, to discuss the results of a comprehensive case study.
The study has proposed feasible conversion roadmaps for Vietnam's large coal-fired power plants, specifically Pha Lai, Cao Ngan and Van Phong Plants, based on assessment of impacts, costs and Potential benefits of different energy conversion options.
Strategies such as biomass co-firing, transition to LNG power, and integration of renewable resources, along with advanced technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Recovery, Utilization and carbon storage (CCUS)... were analyzed and evaluated by the speakers. Along with that, ADB representatives shared experiences from Indonesia and the Philippines on the energy transition mechanism; World Bank representative shared initial research results on conversion solutions for Ninh Binh coal-fired power plant.
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Research report on Pha Lai thermal power plant, including Pha Lai 1 and Pha Lai 2 coal-fired power plants. Pha Lai 1, with a capacity of 440 MW, is the oldest thermal power plant that has been operating for nearly 40 years ( in the decommissioning list according to Decision 500/QD-TTg), the study has proposed the possibility of integrating suitable conversion technology to cleaner technology such as combined flexible gas turbine units. with BESS and solar power, or BESS combined with solar power and SynCON.
Meanwhile, Pha Lai 2, with a capacity of 600MW and has been in operation for 23 years, is also required to be converted. The study suggests a number of pathways to be considered for Phat Lai 2 including co-firing of NH3 or flexible gas turbine, or BESS combined with flexible gas turbine and solar power, or BESS combined with gas turbine and SynCON. These strategies not only benefit the environment by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but are also important for enhancing the energy security and sustainability of the industry.
In the case of the Cao Ngan factory, the factory is located in the center of Thai Nguyen city, so it requires compliance with strict environmental standards. The study emphasizes the plant's ability to integrate with renewable energy sources. The study also shows the potential to incorporate solar and wind power into existing power generation systems, enhanced by Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Recovery Technology technologies. advanced carbon utilization and storage (CCUS). This approach could be a model to balance energy production with environmental protection.
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For Van Phong 1 BOT Coal Thermal Power Plant, the new and largest plant has a favorable location for integrating solar power and biomass co-firing. The study delves into various transition options, including pioneering small-scale nuclear power and repurposing plants to accommodate emerging technologies. The factory location is near Phu Khanh oil reservoir, which can be used as a CO storage place2. These transformational measures are in line with Vietnam's emissions reduction goals and promise to invigorate the local economy and spur technological innovation. However, with any proposed solution, legal issues will arise regarding the BOT contract that will need to be renegotiated.
At the meeting, delegates also discussed international best practices, technological advances and financial models to support Vietnam's energy transition.
“Our dependence on coal power generation poses significant challenges to sustainable development and energy security. Phasing out coal power is a necessity, not an option, to reduce carbon emissions for the Vietnamese economy and achieve the net zero emissions target,” Ms. Ramla Khalidi, Chief Representative Resident of UNDP Vietnam said, while emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts between parties to mitigate these challenges and the need for a fair and comprehensive transition process.
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“A large number of workers employed directly or indirectly in coal mining, transportation and power generation operations, especially in remote areas, could be affected by the coal phase-out. . It is therefore important to provide retraining and reskilling supports to affected workers and communities, and is necessary to ensure their participation and benefits. from this transition process," Ms. Ramla Khalidi said.
As Vietnam moves towards achieving net zero emissions by 0, the results of this technical meeting are expected to contribute significantly to shaping a roadmap for a fair and equitable energy transition. in Vietnam and beyond.
