Several of Japanese-financed coal-fired power stations are in the pipeline right now across Vietnam and Asia — Van Phong 1 is a prime example of how dirty and polluting these projects can get.
Sumitomo-sponsored coal plant in Vietnam would cause 1,900 premature deaths
Several Japanese-financed coal-fired power stations are in the pipeline right now across Vietnam and Asia — Van Phong 1 is a prime example of how dirty and polluting these projects can get..
Posted by No Coal Japan on Wednesday, 5 June 2019
The coal plant project is based on highly-polluting technology that would not be used in Japan. But what does that mean for locals living in areas around the plant? Today the Greenpeace Global Air Pollution Unit released a report on the health impacts of the recently financed Van Phong 1 coal power project in Vietnam to answer this question.
Outdated, polluting technology
This Sumitomo-sponsored plant uses outdated, highly polluting technology, producing up to nine times more pollution than the average new coal power plant in Japan, Korea or China.
But what do these emissions mean for the people of Vietnam?
The report provides a detailed analysis of the air quality and health impacts of the proposed Van Phong 1 coal-fired power plant:
#1: Increased emissions will elevate levels of toxic PM 2.5 particles and NO2 increasing the risk of diseases such as stroke, lung cancer, heart and respiratory diseases in adults, as well as respiratory infections in children. The emissions from Van Phong 1 will likely result in approximately 60 premature deaths per year. Over the operating life of 30 years, this would mean approximately 1,900 premature deaths.
#2: The emissions from the studied power plant would expose an estimated 10,000 people to SO2 concentrations exceeding the limits set by the World Health Organisation. This exposure carries a significant risk of acute respiratory symptoms, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, elderly people and people with pre-existing respiratory ailments.
#3: Emissions from the plant will cause acid rain, which will likely affect crops and soils, as well as fallout of toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, nickel, chrome, lead and mercury. In total, approximately 15kg of mercury per year is projected to be deposited on land as a result of emissions from Van Phong 1. 37% of the projected deposits are on cropland, a significant risk because of the potential for methylmercury absorption in the rice crops.
Forced relocation
Local residents have told Vietnamese community organisations they are worried about the mitigation of the coal ash and the impact of discharge of cooling water on fish in the nearby Van Phong Bay. These organisations report that although the communities living on the proposed site of the coal power station have been resettled, little thought has been given to alternative livelihoods for farmers and near-shore fisherfolk.
According to the AFP, Vietnamese authorities have evicted 99-year-old Grandma Ca and demolished her home to make way for this coal-fired power plant. She refuses to leave as the land she has been offered is not suitable for farming.
>> www.NoCoalJapan.orgGrandma Ca, 99-years-old, was forced from her home, then made to watch on as it was DEMOLISHED to make way for a coal-fired power plant. Two years on, she’s still standing her ground. Please SHARE this story to stand with this brave woman her family.
Posted by No Coal Japan on Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Who is funding this?
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mizuho Financial Group (Mizuho), Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SMTB), and DBS Bank, OCBC signed a loan agreement to finance this project on 19 April 2019.
By financing the polluting Van Phong 1 coal-fired power station, Sumitomo Corporation and these banks are responsible for these health impacts, and must be held accountable.