From August 4 to 7, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, within the framework of the “Vietnam Scaling Up Energy Efficiency Project” (VSUEE), an intensive training course titled “Scaling up energy efficiency for energy managers of pulp and paper industrial enterprises” was organized. This course follows a series of training programs tailored for energy managers in high-energy-consuming industries, succeeding the successful sessions held for the plastics, beverage, and seafood sectors.

The pulp and paper industry is among the most energy-intensive sectors in Vietnam, with energy costs accounting for 20–30% of total operating expenses. Current energy efficiency remains low, with significant waste due to outdated technology, poor energy management, and insufficient capital to invest in energy-saving equipment and technologies. Additionally, awareness of the role and benefits of energy efficiency within the industry remains limited.

Beyond cost pressures, the pulp and paper industry faces substantial environmental challenges. The production process consumes large volumes of water and chemicals, posing risks of water pollution. Moreover, a large volume of solid waste from pulp and by-products increases the burden of industrial waste treatment. In the context of a global shift toward sustainable development—and with international markets such as the EU, the U.S., and Japan imposing strict standards on energy and environmental performance—improving energy efficiency has become a critical factor for enterprises to maintain competitiveness and integration.

The course was designed to equip technical staff and energy managers in pulp and paper manufacturing plants with practical knowledge, tools, and methods to identify, evaluate, and implement effective energy-saving solutions. The training content covered: (i) Enhancing capacity in identifying and developing energy efficiency (EE) projects; (ii) Conducting energy audits and financial analysis for EE projects; (iii) Introducing and applying measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems; (iv) Marketing and business strategies for industrial manufacturing enterprises.

In particular, the program delved into industry-specific technological solutions for the pulp and paper sector, such as: Upgrading and improving equipment in production lines, including boilers and air compressors; Improving insulation for steam pipelines to reduce heat loss; Using inverters for high-energy-consuming machinery; Switching from fossil fuels to biomass or natural gas; Investing in and applying solar power to supply electricity for auxiliary systems; Recovering waste heat; Implementing energy management systems; Raising awareness among all staff and employees in the enterprise.

The training brought together top energy experts and lecturers from technical universities with practical experience. Through group discussions, experience sharing from pioneering enterprises, and analysis of successful projects, participants had the opportunity to access solutions that are both relevant and easily applicable to their facilities.

In the context of Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, this training course not only helped enhance the capacity of energy managers in the pulp and paper industry but also contributed to driving the green transition across the sector. By using energy more efficiently, enterprises can reduce production costs, meet international environmental standards, and strengthen their competitiveness in the global market.