Authors: Dr. Vu Van Khoa¹, MSc. Ngo Viet Thu^{2, Eng.}Eng. Nguyen Ha Vu³

Published in: National Conference on Electrical Science and Technology 2025

Publication date: 2025

Abstract: This paper presents a study on the current emission status and technical solutions for upgrading flue gas treatment systems at thermal power plants under Vietnam Electricity (EVN). Many existing coal-fired thermal power plants are emitting dust, NOx, and SO₂ exceeding the permissible limits according to the newly issued environmental regulation, specifically QCVN 19:2024/BTNMT. To meet these requirements, it is necessary to implement comprehensive solutions, including improving the efficiency of electrostatic precipitator (ESP) systems, installing and upgrading selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems for NOx removal, and upgrading flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. Based on an analysis of the formation and control mechanisms of pollutants, the paper focuses on clarifying the treatment efficiency of each technology and the technical requirements for retrofitting, while also examining difficulties and failures in existing systems. Research results show that upgrading ESP can increase dust removal efficiency to approximately 98–99.9%, installing and upgrading SCR helps reduce NOx concentrations to permissible limits, and retrofitting FGD helps reduce SO₂ concentrations to permissible limits, meeting regulatory requirements. The paper also cites actual projects at several plants that are being prepared for implementation. Upgrading flue gas treatment systems not only ensures compliance with environmental legal regulations but also contributes to reducing pollution, aiming for sustainable operation of coal-fired thermal power plants.

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