ASEAN is currently ranked the 5th largest economy in the world with a dynamic market and a young and highly- educated population. In 2021, the region's economy grew by 3%, expected to grow 4.9% in 2022 and 5.2% in 2023. As can be seen, ASEAN nations are making great efforts to open up and recover their economies strongly after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An emphasized that with such economic growth, ASEAN's energy demand will increase significantly, by 2040 it will increase by about 1.5 times compared to the current level. Therefore, in addition to energy security issues, the consequence of this accelerated energy demand is an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Priority should be given to the ASEAN region's attention to harmonizing its continued growth in energy demand and goals to combat climate change.
To address these concerns, the ASEAN Energy Ministers adopted the Regional Energy Blueprint, the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC). ASEAN nations established the ASEAN Clean Coal Technology Center on September 30, 2021, with the role of researching and developing regional cooperation on clean coal using processes.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An and delegates attending the dialogue at the online meeting point of the Ministry
In Vietnam, the Government has always paid attention to and set the goal of developing "electricity - one step ahead" to meet the requirements of socio-economic development, ensuring the security and defense of the country. By the end of 2021, Vietnam has been ranked the leading country in ASEAN in terms of power system scale. Among power sources, coal-fired power plays an important role in ensuring Vietnam's energy security. Currently, Vietnam is researching and learning new technologies for coal-fired power plants such as clean coal technology (CCT), carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) technology to ensure the goal of power supply for economic development associated with environmental protection.
The future and position of the coal industry in the ASEAN region in the energy transition is a crucial issue today. In many countries, coal mining and processing is an important industry, providing many jobs for people. In the process of energy transition being accelerated, the future of the coal industry needs to be concerned and directed by the State governments.