Japan-based Erex Co. Ltd. and Vietnam’s Vinacomin Power Holdings have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to study the possibility of using biomass alongside coal at two coal-fired power plants in Vietnam, marking another step in the country’s push towards cleaner energy solutions.
The partnership will focus on assessing the feasibility of commercial-scale biomass cofiring at the Na Duong and Cao Ngan power plants following successful test operations carried out at both facilities, Biomass Magazine reported.
According to Erex, biomass cofiring trials at the 55-Megawatt Na Duong Power Plant were conducted between September and November 2025, achieving a 20% blending rate using wood chips.
A separate test at the 57.5-Megawatt Cao Ngan Power Plant was conducted between December 2025 and January 2026, where the companies achieved a 30% cofiring rate using wood pellets.
Following the successful tests, both companies are now evaluating the commercial viability of introducing biomass cofiring on a larger scale at the two facilities.
Erex said electricity demand in Vietnam is currently growing at around 10% annually, with coal-fired plants still accounting for nearly half of the country’s power generation.
Vietnam has set a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As part of this goal, the country’s eighth national power development plan includes measures to introduce biomass, ammonia and other alternative fuels at coal-fired power plants that have been operating for more than 20 years.
