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Rising domestic coal demand to reduce exports
Viet Nam will reduce coal exports by 2015 due to increasing domestic demand, according to the national coal industry plan for the 2015-25 period approved by the Prime Minister.
The coal industry plans to produce 40 million tonnes of coal this year, with half of that for export.
Viet Nam is forecast to import for domestic consumption from 2013. Domestic demand was estimated to reach almost 20 million tonnes this year. Demand will increase sharply to 90 million tonnes in 2015 because an increasing number of coal-fired plants will begin operations in Hai Phong City, Quang Ninh and Thai Binh provinces.
To ensure energy security, the Prime Minister has required the industry to only export types of coal that the domestic market has no interest in.
The Prime Minister also asked the Viet Nam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group to set up an annual coal exploitation plan and import coal based on domestic demand.
He urged the industry to rapidly develop a competitive market, integrate further into regional and global markets and diversify investment and business methods. The industry should also intensify coal processing and diversify processed products.
Besides greater investment in labour safety, environmental protection and exploration and estimations of coal reserves to prepare fuel for long-term development, the industry should further invest in projects abroad.
Domestic coal consumption is expected to reach 382 million tonnes in 2025, including 337 million tonnes for the electricity generation, according to the industry.
vietnamnet, vietnamnews
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