An Integrative Approach to International Technology Transfer for Recycling Vietnam Coal Ash with Consideration of the Technological, Legal, and Network Perspectives

Abstract

The rapid economic growth of Vietnam has increased the amount of coal ash waste during electricity generation from coal-fired thermal power plants. This waste is being dumped even though the capacity of dumping sites will not be sufficient in the future. Accordingly, Korean technologies of recycling ashes, modifying them into a valuable product, and fixing carbon dioxide via carbon mineralization, can be an alternative to dumping. In this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of deploying carbon mineralization technology to Vietnam while considering technological, legal, and network perspectives. The material properties of coal ash and the applicability of coal ash recycling technology were briefly investigated in Vietnam. Legislation has progressed, focusing on recycling coal ash as a building material, with supportive measures on investment and international cooperation. Meanwhile, a bilateral network between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea at the institutional and governmental levels strengthened the implementation of practical technology cooperation. In conclusion, we considered various perspectives in terms of the technology transfer of recycling coal ash. This technology transfer model can contribute to enhancing the possibility of successful technology cooperation for solving the environmental problems of coal ash.