Vietnam plans to stop 2 coal-fired power plants by 2030, all inefficient ones by 2040

Vietnam aims to stop two coal-fired power plants by 2030 and then all inefficient ones that cannot be improved by 2040, according to a decision signed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday.

The decision set an action plan to implement Vietnam’s commitment to use clean energy instead of coal-fired power made at the COP 26.

The two coal-fired power plants set to cease operation by 2030 are the 440 MW Pha Lai in Hai Duong province and 100 MW Ninh Binh in Ninh Binh province, if they cannot update new technology nor improve the emission.

By 2030, Vietnam also plans to research, promote, and pilot co-firing biomass and ammonia as feedstock at coal-fired power plants to reduce carbon emissions.

The decision also stipulates that Vietnam would further utilize renewable energy, pushing the source to 29.2-37.7% of the country’s electricity generation.

Besides, the country aims to invest and complete the first Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant by 2030.

In 2031-2040, Vietnam strives to stop the operation of all inefficient coal-fired power plants that cannot be innovated. The country will also cease approving new coal-fired power projects. It will encourage existing ones to use biomass and ammonia as 20% of the input material initially, towards 100%.

Vietnam also targets to issue a piloting scheme for carbon capture activities at coal-fired power in the period.

By 2045, the target is to develop 1,160 MW of clean energy to replace three coal-fired power plants of 600 MW Pha Lai 2, 110 MW Na Duong, and 450 MW Formosa Dong Nai.

Another goal is to push 18,642 MW of coal-fired power factories to co-use biomass and ammonia as fuel, and 6,990 MW of coal-fired power plants to completely use biomass and ammonia as fuel.

Similarly, by 2050, the target is to develop 3,335 MW of clean energy to replace six coal-fired power plants of 600 MW Uong Bi, 600 MW Hai Phong 1, 1,200 MW Quang Ninh, 115 MW Cao Ngan, 600 MW Cam Pha 1&2, and 220 MW Son Dong.

Besides, 25,632-28,832 MW of coal-fired power are set to completely use biomass and ammonia. The country also aims to install carbon capture systems at coal-fired power plants.

Vietnam’s electricity output in 2024, including imported ones, grew 9.9% year-on-year to 308.73 billion kWh, according to state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN). Coal-fired power accounted for the biggest portion of 152.78 billion kWh, up 17.7%, accounting for nearly half of the total. The second-biggest source is hydropower with 88.72 billion kWh, up 10%.