Measures to make effective use of waste from thermal power plants
Measures sought to make effective use of waste from thermal power plants
Making effective use of waste from thermal power plants to save natural resources and protect the environment is urgent given Vietnam’s increasing demand for electricity.
Ash can be recycled in cement projects, helping consume between 6 and 8 million tonnes of ash per year (Illustrative image. Source VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Making effective useof waste from thermal power plants to save natural resources and protect theenvironment is urgent given Vietnam’s increasing demand for electricity.
According to the Department of Waste Managementand Environment Improvement under the Vietnam Environment Administration (VEA),the country has 26 thermal power plants in operation with total capacity of13,810 MW, which consume roughly 47.8 million tonnes of coal each year anddischarge more than 16.4 million tonnes of ash and gypsum per annum.
By 2020, another 15 coal-fired thermal powerprojects will be put into operation with installed capacity of nearly 24,370MW, consuming close to 60 million tonnes of coal per year.
Many factories have been discharging ash andcinder at dumping sites, causing a high risk of environmental pollution.
Director of the Department of Waste Managementand Environment Improvement Nguyen Thuong Hien said some establishments arestudying building ash sorting and processing plants to produce standardized cementand other building materials.
On September 23, 2014, then Prime MinisterNguyen Tan Dung issued Decision No.1696/QD-TTg on measures to treat ash, cinderand gypsum from thermal power, chemical and fertiliser plants for theproduction of building materials.
Later on April 12, 2017, PM Nguyen Xuan Phucissued Decision No.452/QD-TTg approving a scheme on the processing and use ofash, cinder and gypsum discharged from thermal power, chemical and fertiliserplants.
Experts from the VEA suggested the Ministry ofConstruction promulgate legal documents, technical standards and guidance andeconomic norms for the treatment and use of ash and cinder so they could beused in the production of construction materials.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade needs to draftout plans and roadmaps to close ineffective thermal power plants using out-of-datetechnologies and causing huge emissions of pollutants.
According to the Ministry of Construction, ashand cinder have high potential for usage in construction if they meet criteriafor treatment. Ash can be recycled in cement projects, helping consume between6 and 8 million tonnes of ash per year.-VNA
Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai directed the implementation of solutions to treat waste at thermal power plants for energy conservation and environmental protection.
Developing coal-fired thermal power plants is needed to ensure the provision of electricity nationwide, but it risks environmental pollution without strict management.
Vietnam’s electricity supply might meet only half of total demand in the future, predicted Tran Trong Quyet, vice chairman of the Southern Power Association.
As Vietnam develops its thermal power plant system to meet increasing energy demands, the country faces a new environmental risk arising from the waste generated by those plants.
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.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
Its Forest Protection Sub-department has applied various specialised software and information technologies in forest management and protection and fire prevention.
In 2005, Nghe An had 570 captive bears, the largest number in Vietnam. Thanks to efforts by local authorities, forest rangers, and rescue forces, the number has fallen to just 15.
Ash can be recycled in cement projects, helping consume between 6 and 8 million tonnes of ash per year (Illustrative image. Source VNA) 
