Vietnam has outlined a strategic plan to reduce its reliance on domestic coal mining while increasing coal imports to meet the nation’s power generation demand.
The newly approved national energy master plan for 2021-2030, with a vision towards 2050, sets a target for coal production from domestic mining, projecting annual output of 41-47 million tons until 2030.
However, the plan foresees a gradual decline in domestic coal production, reaching 39 million tons per year by 2045 and further decreasing to 33 million tons by 2050.
The plan underlines the need for long-term coal imports, primarily for power generation. By 2030, coal imports are projected to increase steadily to around 73 million tons, with 44 million tons allocated to meet the demand for thermal power plants.
Coal imports are anticipated to peak at 85 million tons by 2035, gradually reducing to 50 million tons by 2045. Ultimately, Vietnam aims to cease coal imports by 2050.
The plan also highlights the significance of exporting high-quality coal to meet international market demand and eliminate surplus coal within the domestic market. By 2030, annual coal exports are estimated at around two to three million tons.
Beyond 2035, Vietnam will focus on processing various types of quality coal from domestic sources to cater to the global demand.
To achieve these goals, the plan outlines a strategic approach for coal processing and selection. It calls for maintaining, improving, and expanding existing coal processing plants.
Vietnam plans to develop new coal processing plants in Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, increasing annual capacity by four to five million tons compared to current levels. A new screening facility with a capacity of 1.5 million tons per year is also planned for Uong Bi.
Centralized coal processing plants in the Hon Gai area, also located in Quang Ninh, are set to undergo expansion and upgrading so that their capacity can reach five million tons per year.
Implementing this energy plan, Vietnam aims to achieve a mining and processing rate of 60-65% of total coal production by 2030, with the ultimate goal of surpassing 65% by 2050.
Source: VNS
