Hanoi (VNA) – Saving and using energy efficientlyis one of the best solutions to ease the pressure on power supply amid large-and medium-sized hydropower plants in Vietnam already operating at theirmaximum capacity, experts have said.

In March 2019, the Government approved anational target programme on economical and efficient energy use for 2019 –2030, which aims to save 5 – 7 percent of the total energy consumed during 2019– 2025 and raise this rate to 8 – 10 percent during 2019 – 2030.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) cited theresults of an energy audit at 10 businesses that showed that they used toconsume about 3.7 million tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE) worth nearly 672.77million USD each year. After applying efficient energy use solutions, they havesaved nearly 174 TOE, equivalent to 78,000 USD, and reduced 606,808 tonnes ofCO2 emissions every year.

According to the MoIT’s Energy Efficiency andSustainable Development Department, the energy saving potential of industriesin Vietnam is considerable, about 20 – 30 percent. Industries such as cement,steel, textile-dyeing and chemical production could save up to 40 percent ofthe energy they consume.

Experts said to promote efficient energy use inindustries, aside from turning energy saving into a habit, it is critical toapply new technological solutions to replace energy intensive technologies.

Do Huu Hao, Chairman of the Vietnam Energy Conservationand Energy Efficiency Association, said the State should carry out concreteactivities to assist businesses in applying energy efficient solutions.

The MoIT said in the scenario of an annual GDPgrowth rate of 7 percent, the electricity demand could reach 235 billion kWh in2020, 352 billion kWh in 2025 and 506 billion kWh in 2035.

Although the growth rate of power demand willslow to about 8.5 percent in 2021 – 2025 and 7.5 percent in 2026 – 2030, thedemand will remain very high.

Trinh Quoc Vu, Deputy Director of the EnergyEfficiency and Sustainable Development Department, said saving and using energyefficiently is one of the best solutions to ease pressure on powersupply. 

He noted large- and medium-sized hydropowerplants in Vietnam are operating at their maximum capacity. Besides, coal, oiland gas resources will decline soon while renewable energy does not yet satisfydemand on large scale due to high production costs.

Apart from easing the pressure on energyproduction, economical and efficient energy use will also help conserve energyresources, protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,according to the MoIT./.