Hanoi advances energy efficiency for businesses

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has developed energy efficiency indexes to encourage businesses to adopt high-performance equipment, implement advanced technologies, and optimize energy use in management and operations in recent years.

Nguyen Dinh Thang, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, said that they have helped businesses to adopt advanced technologies, and recognized high-performing enterprises while promoting the dissemination of effective energy-saving practices.

“The city's energy conservation and efficiency program has made it possible for local businesses to reduce costs and enhance the efficiency of their operations, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development,” said Thang.

Hanoi is solidifying its position in the fight against climate change and creating more growth opportunities for local businesses by demonstrating a strong commitment to technology adoption and raising public awareness of energy conservation.

"Our efforts have focused on the agricultural sector to apply high technology, use energy-saving equipment in planting and animal feeding, preserve agricultural products, develop irrigation and drainage systems and operate pumping stations powered by renewable energy," Thang added.

During the summer period when people's electricity demand is at its highest, the department has launched a campaign to encourage people to save energy, asking them to turn off unnecessary electrical appliances; limit the use of high power-consuming devices in peak hours (from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 22:00 to 24:00 every day).

"Hanoi has aimed to save 1.6%-1.8% compared to the projected demand. It has also targeted 100% of the city's lighting using LED bulbs," the official said.

Another goal is to have 70 enterprises and constructions in the city recognized as energy-efficient users; at least six constructions will be certified as green, energy-saving and efficient buildings at the national level.

Hanoi businesses embrace energy conservation

Hanoi authorities have teamed up with relevant agencies to provide technical assistance to enterprises in developing energy efficiency indices and adopting advanced energy-saving technologies.

Supertex Textile JSC's 360 knitting machines in Thanh Oai Industrial Zone, Bich Hoa Commune, Thanh Oai District consume a significant amount of electricity, so the company has taken various measures to save as much power as possible.

"We have taken various solutions, including variable frequency drives, inverter technology, and solar power systems, to save energy while limiting emissions. Despite increased production, our electricity consumption has remained stable," Le Dai Quang, the company's Deputy General Director told Cong Thuong Newspaper.

Supertex is not alone in its efforts. A large number of other Hanoi-based companies are embracing green energy. Terumo Vietnam Medical Equipment, Hanwha Aero Engines, and LOTTE MALL West Lake Hanoi are leading examples of solar energy use.

Landmark buildings in Hanoi, such as Vietcombank and Indochina Plaza Hanoi, have installed automated energy management systems to control their power consumption.

Meanwhile, Havitech and Heineken Vietnam have integrated variable frequency drives into their production lines, pumps, and fans, resulting in significant energy savings.

Preliminary estimates show that since the campaign began, Hanoi businesses have saved nearly 134.9 kTOE (kilotons of oil equivalent), or 1.67% of projected energy consumption.

"Businesses increasingly prioritize energy-saving solutions, especially after the recent heat waves," Nguyen Hoang Minh, Director of IoTeamVN, told the Vietnam Government Portal.

IoTeamVN is rolling out a green power monitoring system that enables real-time tracking and analysis of energy consumption for individual devices. These solutions help companies save between 3% and 5% on energy costs, with a payback period of about 20 months.

Saving energy cuts production costs

Over the past six years, Hanoi has instituted a program to recognize institutions as green energy users. Participants receive support in establishing energy management systems and adopting advanced technologies. In 2024, nearly 70 facilities met the certification criteria, with about 20 facilities saving 9,530 tons of oil equivalent (TOE), amounting to VND107 billion (US$4.2 million) over three years.

The facilities are expected to save 15,860 TOE, equivalent to nearly VND179 billion ($7 million) over the next five years.

About 110 solutions have been adopted by other 22 energy-intensive enterprises, saving 700.3 TOE or VND7.6 billion ($301,360) over the three years of the project; and 1,167 TOE and VND13.2 billion ($523,410), respectively, in the following five years.

Le Dai Quang of Supertex Textile JSC said that while some energy-saving measures require significant initial investment, companies consider it an essential expense.

"Many export markets now impose strict standards for clean production and emission reduction. By pursuing energy-saving solutions, companies not only save money but also gain access to demanding international markets," said Quang.