CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

From late February to early March, the training series "Developing Energy Efficiency Projects" was organized under the framework of the Energy Partnership Program between Vietnam and Denmark 2020-2025 (DEPP3 Program). The series aimed to equip energy auditing units with updated knowledge, advanced tools, and practical experiences to develop energy efficiency projects in Vietnam's energy-intenive industries.

The training attracted over 50 representatives from the Embassy of Denmark, the Danish Energy Agency, DEPP3 experts, and reputable energy auditing firms nationwide.

A New Approach to Developing Energy Efficiency Projects

Mr. Jorgen Hvid, Long-term advisor of DEPP3 Program, emphasized the crucial role of energy auditing units in supporting enterprises to identify high-potential, feasible energy efficiency projects. All ideas presented in the training aimed to provide consulting firms and energy efficiency experts with a comprehensive approach — from energy audits to pre-feasibility and feasibility studies — to identify the most optimal energy efficiency solutions for enterprises.

The training sessions were conducted both in-person and online, gathering over 50 representatives from leading energy auditing units nationwide.

To date, the DEPP3 Program has provided technical support to 14 businesses across 11 industries, enhancing the capacity of more than 70 energy auditors and consultants. Simultaneously, the program has developed technical guidelines and technology catalogues to help stakeholders systematically and methodically develop energy efficiency projects.

Mr. Fridolin Holm, Danish energy efficiency expert, emphasized that effective energy efficiency project development requires a systematic, data-driven approach. He introduced a three-step process: pre-audit, on-site survey, and project development. Among these, the pre-audit phase is crucial for setting project objectives, determining scope, comparing KPIs, assessing needs, and evaluating current energy management. The on-site survey focuses on comprehensive and systematic data collection to create a holistic view before diving deeper into specific processes and equipment. Project development is then based on analyzing the collected data, combining energy mapping and field surveys to identify optimization opportunities.

Tools for Developing Energy Efficiency Projects

The training introduced several essential tools for energy efficiency project development. One notable tool was Energy Mapping, which provides an overview of energy flows within production systems. By utilizing energy mapping, auditing units and enterprises can collaboratively identify areas with the highest energy efficiency potential and develop appropriate solutions.

To illustrate this, Mr. Fridolin shared two successful projects in Denmark. In one case, a food processing plant achieved a 70% reduction in energy consumption and optimized operational costs through detailed energy mapping. In another, a brewery applied heat recovery using heat pumps, resulting in a 30% reduction in energy use and a 40% decrease in emissions.

Another tool introduced was the Onion Diagram, used to analyze energy use from core energy services to individual processes, equipment, operations, and maintenance.

Mr. Fridolin Holm, a Danish expert, presented methods for developing energy efficiency projects during the training session.

Mr. Fridolin Holm also introduced the Anonymized Report, a tool that consolidates key information from energy audit processes while ensuring business confidentiality. The report provides an overview of project contexts, potential energy efficiency assessments, and proposed projects. These insights can help enterprises make informed investment decisions and serve as valuable references for similar projects within the industry.

Another important aspect of the training was guidance on conducting pre-feasibility (Pre-FS) and feasibility studies (FS). According to Mr. Fridolin, the Pre-FS phase helps enterprises assess alternative technical solutions and analyze options based on financial, environmental, and legal factors. Once the optimal solution is determined, the FS phase delves deeper into scope, risks, investment costs, and long-term benefits, forming a solid basis for final investment decisions.

Practical Implementation Experiences

Energy auditing units shared practical experiences in implementing high-quality energy audits for enterprises. Mr. Ma Khai Hien, Director of ENERTEAM, noted that one of the biggest challenges is collecting sufficient data to create an energy mapping, especially when enterprises lack precise measurement systems. Additionally, lengthy multi-step approval processes can delay project implementation, potentially missing the optimal timing for investment decisions.

Representatives from auditing units proposed solutions to address these challenges, including standardizing energy data for industries, shortening document approval times, and increasing international experts' involvement in fieldwork. Notably, connecting enterprises with financial institutions was highlighted as a vital step to transform proposed ideas into practical, energy efficiency investment projects.

To watch the training videos, please visit: Training Session 1, Training Session 2.
To download the shared training materials, please visit: Training Session 1, Training Session 2.

DEPP3 Program