The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online attendance, with representatives from the DEPP3, Vietnam Technology Solutions Joint Stock Company (VETS), as well as executives and staff of NatSteelVina Co., Ltd.

Within the framework of DEPP3, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Danish Embassy in Vietnam and the Danish Energy Agency, has been piloting the Voluntary Agreement Scheme on Energy Efficiency in Energy-Intensive Industries (VAS program).

When participating in the VAS program, enterprises benefit from the DEPP3's provision of technical experts proficient in manufacturing processes across different industries/sub-sectors. These experts will assist businesses in executing high-quality energy audits and studying the feasibility of potential energy efficiency solutions so that enterprises can consider their investments.

Representatives from the management board and staff of NatSteelVina Co., Ltd. attended the meeting.

In 2023, NatSteelVina became one of the first enterprises to participate in the VAS program. With support from the DEPP3's experts, NatSteelVina conducted an  energy audit in conformity with international standards, a pre-feasibility study, and a feasibility study. This meeting aimed to present the results of the feasibility study for the project on renovating and upgrading the billet reheating furnace at NatSteelVina Co., Ltd.

At the meeting, Mr. Hoa Thai Thanh, Energy Auditor at VETS, reported that the project on renovating and upgrading the billet reheating furnace at NatSteelVina has a 10-year lifespan and aims to save energy, reduce solid waste, and improve furnace performance.

Mr. Hoa Thai Thanh, Energy Auditor at VETS, presented the feasibility study results at NatSteelVina Co., Ltd.

According to Mr. Thanh, the feasibility study proposes two options: upgrading the furnace combustion control system with a PLC panel connected to the existing control panel, and replacing all the furnace combustion control systems with a new PLC panel.

The first solution, upgrading the combustion control system, was proposed in the pre-feasibility study. This solution retains the existing control system, adding only a PLC and sensors to measure residual oxygen in the exhaust. "Implementing this option could help NatSteelVina save VND 3.84 billion, with a payback period of 2 years and an investment cost of VND 3.54 billion. In addition to cost savings, this option reduces CO2 emissions, protects the environment, and makes furnace operation easier for workers," Mr. Thanh emphasized.

According to Mr. Thanh, the second option - replacing the control system with a new PLC panel - also offers similar savings potential and payback period but requires a higher investment of VND 4.87 billion. Nevertheless, Mr. Thanh noted that if there is a future switch to LNG fuel, the new PLC panel will allow for easier and more flexible operation.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Toan, Deputy General Director of NatSteelVina Co., Ltd., spoke at the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Hoang Xuan Toan, Deputy General Director of NatSteelVina, confirmed: "NatSteelVina is highly committed to implementing energy efficiency solutions to reduce emissions and protect the environment. Programs and projects like DEPP3 are essential to NatSteelVina. The feasibility study provides us with insights and a roadmap to invest in reducing production costs, raw material expenses, and scale oxide waste in production. Following today's meeting, we will respond by official documents to the Program. However, we hope to continue receiving support when participating in Output 4 to explore further energy efficiency solutions in production."

In response, Mr. Jorgen Hvid, Long-term Advisor for the DEPP3, affirmed that the DEPP3 is ready to support NatSteelVina within the VAS program. If NatSteelVina seeks support after the feasibility stage, it can propose to the Program to receive assistance in the next phase.

DEPP3 Program