Energy efficiency is a growing concern in many countries that emphasize the need to make energy policies as part of their development strategies. As for Vietnam, it is urgent for businesses to save energy to sharpen the competitive edge of products now that the trend of global integration is increasing.

The Prime Minister made public Decision 79/2006/QD-TTg on April 1, 2006, adopting a national program for energy efficiency, with a goal to save 3-5 percent of energy throughout the country in 2006-2010.

The National Assembly is about to adopt a draft law on energy efficiency at the upcoming session. This shows that energy efficiency is a governmental master policy, which is to make it possible for businesses to reexamine operations and energy use and draw-up measures to reduce energy/production costs and increase the competitiveness.

Industry is growing in Quang Tri province. Industrial zones have received production projects in various areas that have an increasing need for energy. For this reason, it is vital to use energy effectively.

There are two large industrial factories in the Nam Dong Ha Industrial Zone. These are Geruco Quang Tri MDF Wood Factory and the Hoa Tho – Dong Ha Garment Company. Geruco Quang Tri pays VND1.2-1.5 billion for power monthly consuming one-third of power supply in the city of Dong Ha. With that in mind, the company’s leaders are very concerned about energy efficiency.

However, as a matter of fact, many businesses have not yet made most of opportunities to save energy, largely due to incomplete machinery/equipment, dated, unautomated and energy-consuming production lines, engines that work under capacity and the light systems that are arranged improperly.

To overcome the shortcomings, it is possible for businesses to renew technology to save 6-24 percent of power depending on the ability of each and every business. Other sectors can also save power like public light systems, school light systems, transport, service and tourism.

While Geruco Quang Tri cannot renew technology because it is using the latest technology in Southeast Asia, the company is looking to reduce power by improving the understanding of energy efficiency among the employees and rebuilding factories to make most of the sunlight.

As for the Hoa Tho Garment Company, the factory uses much power as it is not possible to make use of the sunlight. In recognition of this, the company plans to change to energy efficient lamps to lower power and production costs.

To save energy, apart from improving users’ awareness and properly arrange light systems, businesses need to renew technology, properly arrange production lines and streamline the production process to reduce power.

It is also necessary to obtain loan from commercial banks under at a preferential rate under incentive policies that make it easier for businesses to renew production technology.

However, to provide capital in an effective, sustainable manner, it is needed to put in place a mechanism to draw commercial banks and businesses. The most important thing for businesses is to renew production technology and change the way they access sources of loan. These factors will together help businesses make a plan on energy efficiency to create benefits for businesses and the society.

By Thuy Hang