Thua Thien Hue has a large number of small and medium enterprises (accounting for 95% of the total), many of which have obsolete equipment consuming much energy. Meanwhile 80% of energy used for living and production every year comes from electricity.

To alleviate the burden on the electricity industry and save energy, much effort has been put into energy saving measures.

Saving energy in industrial production

Investigation result by Department of Industry and Trade of Thua Thien Hue shows that up to 20% of electricity consumed could be reduced. If in the first half of 2009, energy saving measures were used in 9 industrial production units having high electricity consumption such as Hue Textile and Garment Corporation, Luks Cement Ltd. Co, Hue Brewery Co., Green Hotel… 25 to 80 billion dong could have been saved; in the whole province VND150-250 billion could be saved per year (equivalent to nearly 10% of the total provincial budget income).

Furthermore, Thua Thien Hue, according to the industrial development plan for 2015, 2020 vision, will have 8 Industrial Park and Hi-Tech Park with total area of 8,000 ha, and 16 industrial clusters and handicraft villages with area of 560 ha.

Official master plan for socio-economic development of Thua Thien Hue to 2020 proposes average electricity growth rate of 15% per year. Demand for energy will be huge, therefore the issue of energy efficiency deserves even more attention.

Since 2006, Department of Industry and Trade in Thua Thien Hue has taken the first steps in implementing the Renewable Energy Program. With supporting funds and advice from the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) and various solar and wind power companies, an exhibition was held on solar power models, biogas pits in areas not accessible to national power grid.

In 2008, the Center for Applied Research and Development Consultant industry began working in the field of energy efficiency and joined the network of National energy efficiency centers under the Energy Efficiency Office – Ministry of Industry and Trade; in order to apply advanced energy efficiency technology to practical conditions of the province.

By the end of 2009, Thua Thien Hue has conducted audit for many key enterprises and buildings in the province to find energy efficiency measures. At Hue Textile Corporation, 7 possible ways to save energy could be performed. The initial investment cost of about VND720 million could save 437 kwh/year or approximately VND450 million.

Similarly, Huong River Union Tourism Ltd. Co. could carry out 5 energy efficiency measures. With initial investment cost of VND184 million to upgrade current power system, the company could save up to VND116 million per year, be paid back in just 20 months.

Practical and creative solutions

Exploiting the mass media in raising people’s awareness of energy efficiency is drawing much attention from leaders of Thua Thien Hue. Everybody, through mass media like radios, newspapers, televisions, could become more familiar with the basic contents of the national target program on energy saving.

An article about energy efficiency is published monthly on Thua Thien Hue Newspaper, calling everybody to use energy efficiently. Besides, a TV show on the energy efficiency program has recently been launched on HTV. Another effective form of propaganda is spreading energy efficiency leaflets to local offices and hotels.

Aiming at enterprises, Center for Applied Research and Consulting industry development in Thua Thien Hue has implemented a series of measures to help accelerate the implementation of the energy efficiency program, such as: successfully organized a seminar on energy saving measures; introducing energy efficiency products; cooperating with consultant agencies to implement energy efficiency measures for each factor, each enterprise. With the helps from the center, some enterprises like Hue Frit J.S.C., Luks Cement Company, Phu Bai Fiber JSC, have found optimal energy efficiency solutions.

Besides training energy managers with energy auditing skills, Thua Thien Hue Center for Applied Research and Consulting industry development has cooperated with Da Nang University, Hue University on the application of renewable energy in households. Solar power technology is applied to cooking ovens, help saving a lot of heating energy.

For the public lighting system, a very simple method of adjusting the auto timer system according to weather could reduce 30% of electricity consumption without reducing lights, while maintaining brightness standard for traffic lighting.

Especially in 2009, Hue Environment and Urban constructions Ltd. Co. invested 290 million dong on pilot installation of 41 dual capacity 100W/70W sodium lamp units at Bui Thi Xuan Road and 170 sodium lighting bulbs 50W at small streets, saving 1.7 billion dong per year for the company.

By employing specific measures, the Nation Target Program on Energy Efficiency in Thua Thien Hue has achieved certain success, directly influencing socio-economic development and environmental protection. In the future, despite financial and human resource difficulties, the program, with local determination and support from central government, will still be able to implement more creative and effective measures.

By Nguyen An