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
Renewable energy conference 2017
Ministry proposes removing coal plants from energy plan
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
Military school asked to renew training programs
The event was attended by Senior Lieutenant General Ngo Minh Tien, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, and chaired by Major General Le Van Duy, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the school. Reportedly, in the 2021-2022 academic year, the school’s Party Committee embraced higher levels’ resolutions and directives on education and training while leading its affiliates to improve the quality of task performance in all aspects. In addition, the organ directed the adjustment of educational and training regulation and operated training courses flexibly in accordance with the COVID-19 situation. Addressing the conference, General Tien acknowledged and praised results of the school’s Party Organizations in the past academic year. He urged the school’s Party Committee to focus on addressing shortcomings in the upcoming academic year. Additionally, the Chief of the General Staff required the school to seriously implement the … [Read more...] about Military school asked to renew training programs
Malaysia to stop building coal plants from 2040
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
Environment sector asked to harmonise economic development-environmental protection relations
Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh (standing) addresses the conference (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh on August 4 asked the environment sector to make breakthrough changes in mindset and enhance public awareness of sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyle, thus harmonising the relationship between economic development and environmental protection. Addressing a plenary session of the 10th National Environment Conference in Hanoi which drew 600 delegates, Thanh pointed to great challenges in the current environmental protection, including severe environmental pollution in many places and the degradation of biodiversity . He asked the environment sector to continue diversifying resources for environmental protection activities, while paying more attention to the environmental factor in the value structure of goods and services, strengthening the law enforcement in environmental activities, and increasing the use of mechanisms, tools … [Read more...] about Environment sector asked to harmonise economic development-environmental protection relations
[Net-zero strategy] Which way is possible for Vietnam’s net zero journey?
Seizing the opportunity laid out by its clean energy resources and phasing out coal could be key for Vietnam’s green growth path. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has set a deadline for sectors to build plans for their sustainable development within the first quarter (Q1) of this year as part of efforts to materialize the country’s sustainable development. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at COP26 in Glasgow, the UK in November 2021. Photo: VNA The PM demanded in Q2 a comprehensive program to implement Vietnam’s net-zero target that he pledged at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) in November 2021. Accordingly, authorized agencies are tasked with eight issues, namely energy transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions; lowering methane emissions; developing electric cars; planting forests to absorb carbon dioxide; building construction materials and urban development suitable for green and sustainable … [Read more...] about [Net-zero strategy] Which way is possible for Vietnam’s net zero journey?
