How do coal fired power plants work

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has suggested the Government remove coal-fired plants with a capacity of 14,120 megawatts from Power Development Plan VIII (for 2021-30), which is currently being drafted. Illustrative image (Source: VNA) The move aims to achieve the target of net zero emissions by 2050, the ministry explained, adding that the plants were included in Power Development Plan VII (for 2011-20). Out of the 14,120 MW, 8,420 MW are from coal plants where State-owned enterprises have been assigned as the main investors, including Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industries Group. The ministry also wants to reduce the ratio of coal-fired power sources from 25.7-31% in 2030 to around 10% in 2045. It plans to increase output from LNG-fueled and renewable plants to offset the cut in coal use, with about 14,000 MW of LNG during the 2030-2045 period, and 11,700-13,921 MW of … [Read more...] about Ministry proposes removing coal plants from energy plan

According to a forecast from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), thermal power plants across the country will need 35 million tonnes of coal to serve power production this year, the major part of which needs to be imported. The figure is expected to increase to 46.5 million tonnes in 2025 and 123.7 million tonnes in 2045. The soaring increase in foreign currency used to import coal stems from the rising demand around the globe, causing a cost escalation and a shortage of supply. At its peak, the selling price on the global market was pushed up to $450-490 per tonne. The MoIT is increasing coal imports from Australia and South Africa to ease the recent shortages that resulted in power losses at manufacturing facilities and to ensure national energy security. Along with this, thermal power plants are also working with partners to diversify the fuel supply sources for their facilities. A representative of the Nghi Son thermal power plant in the central province … [Read more...] about Vietnam spends $5 billion on coal imports

Ilustrative image (Photo: Malakoff Cooperation) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The Malaysian government will stop building coal power plants starting in 2040, and shift its focus toward clean and renewable energy , according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s department in charge of economy Mustapa Mohamed. Speaking at a question and answer session of the Malaysian Parliament’s second meeting, Mustapa said the ongoing global energy crisis will accelerate the transition to cleaner energy, adding that Malaysia will improve its renewable energy capacity to fulfill the set targets. A number of renewable energy sources identified for development include hydroelectricity, solar energy, biogas and biomass, he said, noting that battery energy storage technology will also be introduced to ensure quality and guaranteed power supply. The government will also expand the use of hydrogen, and develop technology related to carbon capture and storage, he went on. According to Mustapa, … [Read more...] about Malaysia to stop building coal plants from 2040

Lao officials are introduced about the operation of Vietnam’s Son La hydroelectric power plant. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Officials from the Department of Energy Safety Management (DESM) under the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines made a working visit to Vietnam’s Son La hydroelectric power plant on August 3 and 4 to study the plant’s operation. The Son La hydroelectric power plant is the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia, with six turbines having a combined capacity of 2,400 MW. The plant generates over 10 billion kWh of electricity a year. The operation of the plant has ensured absolute safety since it was commissioned nearly 10 years ago. Besides electricity generation, the plant plays an important role in preventing floods in the rainy season and supplying water in the dry season for the Red River Delta , while creating an impetus for socio-economic development in the northwestern region. The Lao delegation has made a field trip and studied the operation of … [Read more...] about Vietnamese, Lao experts share experience in hydropower plant operation

MANILA  -- The Philippines' Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) has not produced any electricity since it was finished in 1984, despite its $2.3 billion price tag and its promise of energy security during the 1970s oil crisis. Approved by former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his son and new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has revived discussions on proposals to rehabilitate the site amid the current energy crisis that has pushed prices for traditional power generating fuels coal and natural gas to records. The BNPP's potential revival is one sign of the renewed interest in nuclear power. Governments across Europe and Asia are extending their aging fleet of nuclear plants, restarting reactors and dusting off plans to resume projects shelved after the 2011 nuclear crisis in Fukushima, Japan. Both the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden and the International Energy Agency have said nuclear power is critical for countries to meet global net-zero carbon emissions goals and … [Read more...] about Analysis: Global energy crisis drives rethink of nuclear power projects

Hydropower company Song Ba reported a nearly five-fold increase in post-tax profits in the second quarter to VND46.07 billion ($1.97 million) as huge water inflows helped increase power output by 112 percent year-on-year. Southern Hydropower and Vinh Son – Song Hinh Hydropower reported a 90 percent rise in profits, while several others said earnings were up by more than 50 percent. Hydropower production in May, when the rainy season began, reached the same level as in October 2020 when production peaked, according to a report by Vietcombank Securities. Hoa Binh and Son La hydropower plants had to discharge water in early June due to the unusually heavy rains. Meanwhile, thermal power plants have been struggling. PV Power saw profit drop by nearly 33 percent to VND580 billion. The surge in the prices of coal and gas were responsible, it said, adding that output at its Vung Ang 1 and other plants plunged by double digits. Power Generation 3 belonging to national utility … [Read more...] about Rains leave hydropower sector awash in profits, thermal plants struggle