On March 28, 2024, in Hanoi, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Vietnam held a technical meeting on the roadmap for transitioning from coal-fired thermal power generation to sustainable alternatives.
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The objective of this technical meeting is to provide an update on policy and technology for the transition of coal-fired power plants, international experience on best available technology (BAT), potential costs, benefits and impacts of transition, and to discuss different options for decommissioning, repurposing and refurbishing different types of coal-fired power plants.
The meeting also facilitated connections between power plant owners and potential investors and financial institutions to explore future investment opportunities for the transition of coal-fired power plants.
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The meeting brought together key stakeholders from a wide range 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 pathways for Vietnam's large coal-fired power plants, specifically Pha Lai, Cao Ngan and Van Phong, based on an assessment of the potential impacts, costs and benefits of different energy conversion options.
Strategies such as co-firing biomass, switching to LNG power and integrating renewable resources, along with advanced technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) were analyzed and evaluated by the speakers. Along with that, ADB representatives shared the experiences of Indonesia and the Philippines on energy transition mechanisms; World Bank representatives shared the initial research results on transition solutions for Ninh Binh coal-fired thermal power plant.
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Research report on Pha Lai thermal power plant, including Pha Lai 1 and Pha Lai 2 coal-fired thermal power plants. With Pha Lai 1, capacity of 440 MW, the oldest thermal power plant has been operating for nearly 40 years (on the list of decommissioning according to Decision 500/QD-TTg), the research has proposed the possibility of integrating suitable conversion technology to cleaner technology such as flexible gas turbine units combined with BESS and solar power, or BESS combined with solar power and SynCON.
Meanwhile, Pha Lai 2, with a capacity of 600 MW and having been in operation for 23 years, is also required to be converted. The study suggests several pathways to consider for Pha Lai 2, including co-firing NH3 or flexible gas turbines, or BESS combined with flexible gas turbines and solar power, or BESS combined with gas turbines and SynCON. These strategies are not only beneficial to the environment by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but are also important for enhancing energy security and sustainability of the sector.
In the case of the Cao Ngan plant, the plant is located in the heart of Thai Nguyen city, requiring strict environmental standards. The study highlights the plant’s integration with renewable energy sources. It also points to the potential for integrating solar and wind energy into the existing power generation system, enhanced by advanced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies. This approach could be a model for balancing energy production with environmental protection.
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For the Van Phong 1 BOT coal-fired power plant, the newest and largest plant is well-positioned for the integration of solar and biomass co-firing. The study looks closely at various conversion options, including pioneering small-scale nuclear power and repurposing the plant to accommodate emerging technologies. The plant is located near the Phu Khanh oil reservoir, which could be used as a CO2 storage facility. These transformational measures are consistent 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, which 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 must, not an option, to reduce the carbon footprint of the Vietnamese economy and achieve net zero emissions,” said Ms. Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of UNDP Viet Nam, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to mitigate these challenges and the need for a just and inclusive transition.
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“A large number of workers directly or indirectly employed in coal mining, transport and power generation, particularly in remote areas, could be affected by the phase-out of coal. It is therefore important to provide retraining and reskilling support to affected workers and communities, and to ensure their participation and benefit from this transition,” said Ramla Khalidi.
As Vietnam moves towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the outcomes of this technical meeting are expected to contribute significantly to shaping a roadmap for a just and equitable energy transition in Vietnam and beyond.Source link
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