Vietnam’s clean coal production is estimated at 3.22 million tons in January, reflecting a 4.06 percent decline from 3.36 million tons in December, according to the General Office of Statistics.
The year-on-year comparison shows a sharper decline, with January production reaching only 80 percent of the same period last year.
Vietnam’s coal production itself is primarily focused on two types: hard coal and lignite. Lignite, which has lower energy content compared to hard coal, is primarily used in power generation. The government has made efforts to improve the efficiency of power plants using lignite by investing in technologies that enhance energy production while reducing the emissions from coal combustion.
The Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), the state-owned company, is at the forefront of clean coal development, exploring ways to make coal extraction and processing more efficient and environmentally friendly. Some of these efforts include adopting better mining practices and improving the quality of coal to reduce pollutants when burned.
Despite these advancements, the clean coal production sector in Vietnam faces significant challenges. One of the main obstacles is the high cost of implementing clean coal technologies, which requires substantial investment and technological expertise. Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of coal as an energy source, with a growing global focus on renewable energy alternatives. Nevertheless, clean coal is expected to remain part of Vietnam’s energy mix in the short to medium term as the country continues to develop more sustainable energy solutions and reduce its reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
As Vietnam continues to modernise its energy infrastructure and address environmental concerns, clean coal production will play a role in bridging the gap between its immediate energy needs and long-term sustainability goals.
See also: Coal Power in Vietnam: Industry Overview