Environment minister: Hi tech can help prevent pollution

NA deputy Do Duc Hong Ha from Hanoi said the country currently has 20 operational coal-fired power plants which consume 45 million tons of coal and emit 16 million tons of ash a year.

It is expected 12 more such projects will be up and running in 2020 while local coal supply has dwindled and pollution at thermal power plants has worsened, sparking public concerns, he said.

Deputy Ha asked the minister to comment on the effect of thermal power plants on the environment, the efficiency of the Master Electricity Development Plan in the 2011-2020 period with a vision to 2030 (Master Plan No. 7), and the environmental situation when the 12 new thermal power stations are commissioned.

Coal mining in the northern province of Thai Nguyen. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha said at a Q&A session during the National Assembly sitting on November 15 that advanced technology could keep thermal power plants from doing harm to the environment – Photo: TTXVN

In responding to the question, the minister said the 12 new projects will be built to ensure energy security in line with the Master Plan No. 7 which was already approved by the Government.

Waste from thermal power plants includes dust, cooling water which may contain chemicals, ash and slag, he said.

In order to reduce the impact of waste on the environment, investors can choose advanced technology and high-quality coal to reduce the ratio of waste to 30% in every one million tons of coal used, far below the current percentage.

He said Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) should consider using waste at thermal power plants to make building materials. For instance, he added, dust can be used as a feedstock for cement production and slag is helpful for construction projects.

The minister suggested the Ministry of Construction issue a set of technical standards to recycle waste at thermal power plants.