Greener Industry through Cleaner Production and Energy Efficiency

Dong Nai’s energy-efficiency programmes launched from 2011, with plans through 2015.

Cleaner production as a starting point

More than 18,000 businesses operated in the province. Investment policy increasingly favoured high technology, supporting industries and environmentally suitable projects.

Cleaner production seeks to use resources efficiently, reduce hazardous inputs and prevent waste and emissions. Potential benefits include lower material and disposal costs, improved working conditions and reduced environmental impact.

Examples included recovery of steel and aluminium scrap, suitable recovery of oils, reuse of paper-industry by-products, and recovery of food-processing residues or biogas where technically and legally appropriate.

Local support and pilot projects

With support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s cleaner-production component, Dong Nai developed a programme through 2015 and a cleaner-production unit within its Industrial Consultancy Centre. Participating businesses included Mabuchi Motor Vietnam, Dong Nai Mechanical, Dong Nai Electrical Mechanical and Bien Hoa Packaging.

Reported opportunities at five enterprises

• Bien Hoa Packaging: nearly 12% energy-consumption savings and more than 9% energy-cost savings.
• Tung Kuang Industrial: 16.5% energy-consumption savings and more than 17% cost savings.
• Meiwa Vietnam: 6.5% energy-consumption savings and more than 15% cost savings.
• Construction and Interior Decoration No. 7: 17% energy-consumption savings and nearly 27% cost savings.
• Phi Dung: 32% energy-consumption and energy-cost savings.

These are site-specific estimates and results, not standard savings factors for other facilities.

Energy audits and investment assessment

Chu Van Hieu, the centre director, described support for audits, feasibility studies and investment reports. Thermal-system improvements and shifting suitable loads away from peak tariff periods were highlighted.

The five enterprises saved more than 2.8 million kWh and 312 tonnes of oil annually, together with gas savings and an estimated reduction of nearly 2,800 tonnes of CO₂. Investment of about VND 10.7 billion and annual savings approaching VND 14 billion corresponded to a simple payback of just over nine months.

Making improvements accessible

Larger businesses could more readily invest in modern equipment, while smaller enterprises faced financing constraints. Practical improvement therefore combines good operating practices, measured opportunities, suitable technology and a realistic investment plan.