Environment minister: Hi tech can help prevent pollution

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha, responding to a lawmaker at a Q&A session during the National Assembly (NA) sitting on November 15, said advanced technology could keep thermal power plants from doing harm to the environment.

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
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.

Vietnamnet

Other News

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

The two projects involve an intelligent autonomous transportation system developed by Phenikaa-X JSC and a technology for producing mixed rare-earth oxides with a purity of over 95% on a semi-industrial scale developed by the Mining Technology and Construction Consultancy JSC.

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

In just a few years, AI has evolved from an experimental technology into an “assistant” for many banks, supporting everything from customer service, credit approval, and fraud detection to risk management. However, as the technological gap between institutions narrows, a new question is emerging: What will determine banks' competitive advantage in the AI era?

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

A meeting has been held in Bac Ninh to discuss potential cooperation with Plug and Play in developing the northern province’s innovation ecosystem and establishing an artificial intelligence (AI) centre of excellence, with Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Mai Son receiving a delegation from the global innovation platform.

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

The project aims to assess the safety, reliability and readiness of autonomous vehicles under real traffic conditions, as well as the effectiveness of autonomous public transport and compatibility with existing systems. Its results will contribute to developing technical standards, operating procedures and management models suited to Hanoi’s traffic conditions.

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

As Vietnam accelerates digital transformation and high-tech development, Singapore’s experience and the engagement of global technology companies demonstrate that human resources preparation must stay ahead of the curve. The ability to filter knowledge, collaborate, innovate and effectively use AI will increasingly become essential to helping workers adapt to a changing labour market and strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnam’s economy in the new era.

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Cybersecurity, information security and data security risks must be identified and addressed early and from afar, with appropriate defensive measures ready to neutralise threats and protect national interests in cyberspace, said Lieutenant General Le Xuan Minh, Director of the Ministry of Public Security’s Department of Cybersecurity and Hi-tech Crime Prevention (A05).

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Dr. Nguyen Van Quang, Rector of Nam Can Tho University, said the university is developing a value chain covering training, research, technology development, testing, technology transfer and commercialisation. The model is designed to link research more closely with practical needs, ensuring that technologies generate products and products create value for society.

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

The WB report identifies Vietnam as one of the few economies outside the European Union (EU) to have adopted a comprehensive AI regulatory framework as early as 2025. Vietnam applies a risk-tiered approach similar to that of the EU AI Act, imposing different obligations depending on whether an AI system poses “unacceptable,” “high,” “low” or “minimal” risks. The approach is viewed as a strategic step towards ensuring safe and transparent AI governance.

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

Dr. Ho Duc Thang, a full-time member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Cultural and Educational, said productivity is the key to sustaining double-digit economic growth, and AI has greater potential to improve productivity than any previous technology.

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Vietnam's growth model, long fueled by low-cost labour, resource extraction, contract manufacturing, expanded investment, and capital accumulation, has run out of road. The country now needs a sweeping reform agenda to shift from extensive growth to a model driven by productivity, knowledge, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.