Technology Overview

Coal-fired power generation uses pulverized coal combustion technology to produce high-pressure, high-temperature steam, which drives a steam turbine to generate electricity following the Rankine cycle. This is a conventional technology that plays a foundational role in many power systems due to its ability to provide stable, large-scale, and continuous power output. Modern configurations, particularly supercritical and ultra-supercritical technologies, have improved efficiency and reduced fuel consumption compared to earlier generation units.

Technical Characteristics

Technology	Efficiency	Unit Capacity	Technical Characteristics	Advantages	Disadvantages
Subcritical	~38%	~300 MW	Steam conditions ~170 bar, 541°C	– Mature technology- Stable operation- Compatible with existing infrastructure	– Lower efficiency- Higher emissions- Less flexible
Supercritical	~37.7–39.9%	~600 MW	Above critical pressure, more flexible	– Improved efficiency- Reduced fuel consumption- More flexible (2–4%/min)	– Higher investment cost- Higher technical requirements
Ultra-supercritical	~42.5–45.1%	~1000 MW	Temperature ~600°C+, high pressure	– Highest efficiency- Lower emissions per kWh- High flexibility (up to 5%/min)	– Complex technology- High investment cost- Requires advanced materials

Investment cost data indicates that current capital costs are approximately 1.8 million USD/MW for supercritical technology and 2.0 million USD/MW for ultra-supercritical technology. Compared to variable renewable energy technologies, coal-fired power offers advantages in terms of stability, but is less flexible and releases GHG emissions and other pollutants.

Application in Vietnam

In Vietnam, coal-fired power is transitioning from conventional technologies to higher-efficiency configurations, while incorporating emission reduction solutions to align with energy transition trends. In the long term, the share of coal power in the generation mix is expected to gradually decline.