According to Can Tho Energy Conservation Center, after six months of implementing energy efficiency projects and programs, many businesses in the city have had a change in awareness and actively participated in the implementation of energy saving measures. Since the beginning of the year, Can Tho City has saved over 9.5 million kWh of power.

Survey results have shown that the energy saving potential of the seafood processing sector is 15.58%, equivalent to 15.4 million kWh per year, of the rice processing industry 8.5%, equivalent to about 145,000 kWh per year and of garment industry 1.3% or over 38,000 kWh per year.

As an enterprise specializing in aquatic products processing, each year, the production line of Indian Ocean Co. Ltd. (Thot Not District) consumes many types of energy, including 19.7 million kwh of electricity, 12.600 liters of DO oil, over 140 tons of coal and about 540,000 m3 of water.

The total energy cost that the company had to pay in 2009 was about VND20 billion. Joining the energy audit program, the company has realized the potential to save over VND2.4 billion per year through measures such as establishing energy management system, installing inverters to control water supply system and improving the lighting system.

At Tay Do Garment Joint Stock Company (Tra Noc Industrial Zone, Binh Thuy), although the production line and equipment have been enhanced quite well (with 80% electronic sewing machine), the actual energy loss is huge. In the past three years (from 2007 to 2009), the company has invested in about 1000 new generation sewing machines imported from Germany, China and Japan, with the total value of nearly VND20 billion. Particularly in the first 6 months of 2010, the company has continued to invest in 120 more machines. These are dry oil type machines with advantages such as good seams, not sticking oil on products, saving electricity, increasing productivity by 20-30% compared with conventional machines.

According to Mr. Tran Chi Gia, director of the company, the average monthly consumption is about 80,000 kwh, equivalent to VND87 million. Reducing energy costs means lowering production costs and increasing profits, so the company responds eagerly.

After implementing energy audit, the expert team of Can Tho Energy Conservation Center supposed that the full implementation of proposed measures could help Tay Do Garment JSC save about VND417 million per year. Generally, these solutions require low investment capital and short payback period. Specifically, the recovery of exhaust heat will save about VND40 million per year with the payback period of 1.2 years. Using high efficiency lighting devices will save 324,000 kwh per year, equivalent to VND324 million, with the payback period of 8 months.

Can Tho Fisheries Import Export Co Ltd also implemented energy audit and initially deployed the Energy Efficiency Program. Audit results have shown that the saving potential is about VND210 million per year. Implementing the four proposed solutions, the company could save about 177,000 kWh per year and decrease 110 tons of C02 emissions.

In fact, many enterprises in the province pay attention to energy efficiency issue. Over 50 companies have regularly participated in activities held by Can Tho Energy Conservation Center like seminars, training courses and energy audit. The Center has investigated 31 businesses and put them into the database, including 15 enterprises in aquatic products processing industry, 13 enterprises in rice processing industry and 3 enterprises in textile industry. Immediately after the energy audit, the enterprises have initially invested in improving technological lines.

Besides these businesses, according to Can Tho Energy Conservation Center, recently, due to lack of information, many agencies and businesses have had difficulties in selecting solutions, models and technologies. On the other hand, the investment in new equipment and technology for energy efficiency often require high costs, so many enterprises still hesitate.

By Minh Duc