Vicem But Son Saves 121.7 Billion VND by Utilizing Waste Heat for Power Generation

03/06/2025

Long Son Cement saves 30% of electricity consumption thanks to heat recovery
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In 2024, the waste heat recovery (WHR) system at Vicem But Son generated 69.6 million kWh of electricity, saving 121.7 billion VND in electricity costs.

Vicem But Son Joint Stock Company has invested in construction and technical improvements to enhance production efficiency, promote energy efficiency, and reduce emissions during operations.

One standout initiative is the “Investment in Waste Heat Recovery System for Power Generation on Production Line 1 and Line 2" project. The project had a total investment of over 454 billion VND with an installed capacity of 12 MW. On January 10, 2024, Vicem But Son inaugurated and officially put the waste heat recovery system into operation for electricity generation from the two production lines, achieving significant results.

On January 10, 2024, Vicem But Son brought the waste heat recovery system from the two production lines into operation. (Photo: Vicem But Son)

In 2024, the WHR system generated 69.6 million kWh of electricity, saving 121.7 billion VND in electricity costs. Additionally, the system supplied 25–30% of the total electricity demand for the entire plant, reduced exhaust temperature released into the environment, and indirectly reduced 86,000 tons of CO₂ by cutting dependency on power from thermal plants. It also reduced the input temperature for post-boiler processing stages, enhanced the operational stability of industrial fans, extended the lifespan and improved the efficiency of electrostatic dust filters, and contributed positively to business and production outcomes.

The WHR power generation system is a clean and green technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, decreases dust, and improves equipment efficiency. It is part of Vicem But Son's strategy of “Sustainable development, production in parallel with environmental protection, energy and resource efficiency,” following a circular economy model.

The WHR system for Line 1 and Line 2 at Vicem But Son. (Photo: Vicem But Son)

In addition to the WHR project, over the past five years, Vicem But Son has completed several other projects: converting electrostatic dust filters at the kiln and raw mill stages (DC1 and DC2) to baghouse filters; renewing license No. 337/QĐ-QLTN dated April 26, 1995, for the Hong Son limestone mine and Kha Phong clay mine; conducting supplementary exploration for associated mineral reserves, licensing extraction of limestone and associated minerals at the Hong Son mine; eliminating T-junction connections and installing a SCADA system for the 110kV But Son cement substation; as well as implementing various environmental protection measures. All projects have been executed on schedule and in compliance with legal regulations.

To continue improving production efficiency and ensuring employment and livelihoods for workers, the company is preparing to implement several new projects, including: projects involving clay mines in Lac Thuy District, Hoa Binh Province, currently undergoing legal procedures; and a project to increase the productivity of Cement Mill 2, which is in the process of investment approval.

According to the Vietnam Construction Materials Development Strategy for the 2021–2030 Period with a Vision to 2050, approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 1266/QD-TTg, by the end of 2025, 100% of cement production lines with capacities of 2,500 tons of clinker/day or more must install and operate WHR systems for power generation.

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