A forum was held in Hanoi on May 9 to discuss measures to enhance investment and sustainable development in energy.
Over recent years, while the demand for power has increased, coal reserves for power generation have decreased.
According to the Vietnam Energy Association, about 9,000 mining
workers were unable to work between 2008 and 2012 due to the gradual
decline in coal reserves.
The northern province
of Quang Ninh is estimated to have coal reserves totalling 1 billion
tonnes. However, insufficient capital means a new pit cannot be opened.
This makes a serious impact on the country’s power production.
From 2011 to 2012, the demand for power increased from 12 to 13
percent. The figure is expected to rise above 14 percent in the future,
creating pressure to build more power plants to meet the growing demand.
Participants at the forum said the solution is to
correctly evaluate the nation’s energy consumption and its energy
development in order to propose a judicious development strategy.
Besides, it is advisable to develop a comprehensive energy system that
encompasses fossil fuels and renewable energy sources to ensure
consumer interests and national socio-economic development strategies.-VNA