Technologies crucial to curb emissions from coal combustion
Technologies crucial to curb emissions from coal combustion: int’l workshop
The 14th Multi-Pollutant Emissions from Coal Workshop, held in Hanoi on October 28, pulled together international experts, scientists and policy makers who laid stress on the significance of advanced technologies to control mercury and multi-pollutant emissions from coal combustion.
Vinh Tan 2 thermal power plant in Binh Thuan province (Photo: zing.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – The 14th Multi-PollutantEmissions from Coal Workshop, held in Hanoi on October 28, pulled togetherinternational experts, scientists and policy makers who laid stress on thesignificance of advanced technologies to control mercury and multi-pollutant emissionsfrom coal combustion.
At the event, organised by the Clean Coal Centre under the International EnergyAgency (IEA) in collaboration with the Hanoi University of Natural Resourcesand Environment, they shared results of scientific research and managementexperience so as to outline strategies to branch out state-of-the-arttechnologies to curb and reduce pollutants from coal utilities.
According to Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan,coal burning for power generation results in emissions of particulates, Sulfurdioxide (SO2), Nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury and heavy metals, among others,which have critical impact on the environment and human health.
While other regions are promoting the use of “green” energy, Asia is stilldependent on coal burning to meet energy demand, he said, adding Asia is miningand burning three-quarters of the world’s coal.
In recent years, Asian nations have worked to boost production of renewableenergy. However, their efforts are insufficient, especially when coal-generatedelectricity is playing an important role to ensure energy security in SoutheastAsian countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
Dang Ha Son from the Centre for Energy and Green Growth Research said Vietnamhas increased import of bituminous coal to meet demand for industrialactivities and power generation.
The country should apply advanced measures to use energy in an effective way,and it is necessary for the state-owned agencies to carry out meticulous studyto lay down standards to curb sulfur and mercury emissions from industrialplants, he suggested.
Meanwhile, Lesley Sloss, a representative from the Clean Coal Centre, saidthere are many technologies to reduce pollutants from coal burning, andmanagement of mercury can be done by using clean coal./.
The Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) had been working to meet the increasing demand for coal for electricity generation and production, Vinacomin’s general director Dang Thanh Hai said.
Subsidiaries of the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) churned out a total 14.86 million tonnes of crude coal in the first four months of 2019, a year-on-year rise of 11 percent, the group said on May 3.
Vietnam imported about 23 million tonnes of coal between the beginning of the year and July 15 worth 2.17 billion USD, according to the General Department of Customs.
Several of the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have adopted clean-energy policies, and yet the use of coal continues to increase in the region.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
Vinh Tan 2 thermal power plant in Binh Thuan province (Photo: zing.vn) 
