Vietnam is a very important country for Japan as a source of high-quality coal (anthracite coal) used for steel production. On the other hand, Vietnam is showing strong interest in the introduction of Japan’s state of the art, high-efficiency coal-fired power generation technologies, and cooperation continues to move forward.

In this context, it was decided that the Policy Dialogue will be held between Japan and Vietnam, aiming to further promote a wide range of cooperation between both countries in the field of coal.

There were about 40 participants in total from both countries (as referred to below), including Mr. Akira Yasui, Director of the Coal Division from Japan and Mr. Nguyen Khac Tho, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Energy, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, and the following results were achieved.

1. Japan requested Vietnam to continue the stable supply of high-quality anthracite coal, and Vietnam expressed its gratitude for the long-standing cooperation from Japan regarding coal development and relevant environmental protection, and promised to continue the stable supply of high-quality anthracite coal to the best possible extent. In addition, both countries discussed mutually beneficial cooperation on the exploration and development of anthracite coal in Vietnam, the development of relevant human resources, and the introduction of coal preparation technology, for the maintenance of a stable trade relationship related to anthracite coal.
2. Towards the introduction of high-efficiency coal-fired power generation, regarding which there are many plans in Vietnam for the future, both countries confirmed the importance of cooperation. In particular, it was confirmed that both countries are considering the possibility of introducing Ultra Super Critical (USC) coal-fired power generation, while also continuing cooperation for the demonstration of technologies for the mixed combustion of anthracite coal produced in Vietnam and imported coal.

METI will make efforts to further enhance the various cooperative relationships between Japan and Vietnam in the area of coal, and to ensure the stable supply to Japan of anthracite coal used for steel production. At the same time, METI will contribute to the realization of efficient and environmentally-friendly electricity supply in Vietnam through the introduction of advanced coal-fired power generation technologies in Japan.

Japanese participants

METI, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japan Coal Energy Center (JCOAL)

Vietnamese participants

General Department of Energy, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (VINACOMIN), VietNam Electricity (EVN), and PetroVietnam (PVN)

March 13, 2013

Coal Division, Natural Resources and Fuel Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy