In response to the message of Earth Hour 2025

The recent Earth Hour 2025 event attracted millions of people worldwide to switch off lights and unnecessary electrical appliances. With the message "Green Transition - Green Future," the campaign went beyond simply calling for electricity conservation; it aimed for a broader goal: encouraging sustainable energy production, increasing the use of renewable energy, promoting the application of energy-saving products and equipment, and contributing to improved energy efficiency in both economic and environmental aspects.

The 518 kWp rooftop solar power project at the Nghi Son 2 BOT Thermal Power Plant (Nghi Son Economic Zone) has been successfully installed.

According to national electricity consumption statistics from the National Power System and Market Operation Company, after one hour of switching off lights in response to the Earth Hour 2025 campaign (from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM on March 22, 2025), the whole country saved 448,000 kWh of electricity, equivalent to more than 942 million VND. It is known that since the Earth Hour campaign was implemented in Vietnam, Thanh Hoa has been one of the pioneering localities to respond to this movement, contributing to positive changes in people's awareness and actions regarding energy saving and environmental protection.

The Nghi Son 2 BOT Thermal Power Plant (Nghi Son Economic Zone) has successfully installed a 518 kWp rooftop solar power project integrating a 1,152 kWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and a microgrid control system. According to a representative of Nghi Son 2 Power Company Limited, the project is designed to utilize the abundant solar radiation available in the area, helping the enterprise manage energy optimally; while also allowing for the storage of surplus electricity generated during hours of high solar radiation for reuse during periods of high demand or low solar radiation. This combination also demonstrates the enterprise's commitment to applying advanced technology to maximize the use of renewable energy; directly contributing to the goals of reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In garment factories across the province, with hundreds of machines and equipment operating simultaneously, and every stage of the production process consuming a certain amount of electricity, many businesses have switched to energy-saving equipment and invested in rooftop solar power systems. This has significantly reduced monthly electricity costs for businesses, while also minimizing CO2 emissions into the environment, moving towards green production and facilitating export activities.

Many households are also shifting towards using solar power, helping to reduce monthly electricity bills and providing long-term benefits while protecting the environment. Ms. Nguyen Thi Linh's family in Dong Ve ward, Thanh Hoa city, had an average electricity bill of 3 million VND per month. Investing in a 4.4 kWp solar power system with storage capacity at a cost of nearly 80 million VND, her family's electricity bill has decreased by 1.5 - 2 million VND per month. During the sunny summer days, Ms. Linh's family hardly needs to use grid electricity at all.

It is known that, with many solutions implemented, the entire province saved 174 million kWh in 2024. However, climate change and global warming have led to an increasing demand for energy. Therefore, working together to save energy is becoming an urgent issue. Every agency, unit, business, and citizen in the province needs to proactively change their electricity usage habits, from small things like turning off electrical devices when not in use, replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED lights, to investing in renewable energy equipment. All of these contribute significantly to ensuring energy security for sustainable development.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Phong, Director of the Center for Industrial Promotion and Energy Saving, Department of Industry and Trade, said: “The Center is continuing to research and implement effective energy saving solutions and projects. Currently, 13 projects investing in energy-saving LED lighting systems with a total investment of 43 billion VND have been approved for investment at the end of 2024 and are being actively implemented by localities. With strong communication coordination, we expect that participating in Earth Hour in Thanh Hoa province will not only be an event at a specific time, but will also strongly spread the message “Saving electricity - Make it a habit” according to Directive No. 20/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister on strengthening electricity saving in the period 2023-2025 and subsequent years.”

At Thanh Hoa Power Company, along with solutions for optimizing grid operation, technical management, and grid investment to reduce power losses, the company is continuing to proactively coordinate with local authorities and media agencies to strongly promote the message of saving electricity to customers. “We have worked with large customers to implement load shifting during peak hours; and communicated to customers to continue developing rooftop solar power and other renewable energy solutions to limit the depletion of fossil fuel resources,” shared Mr. Hoang Duc Hau, Deputy Director of Thanh Hoa Power Company.

Starting in Sydney, Australia in 2007 with over 2 million participants, the Earth Hour campaign has now attracted the support of nearly 200 countries and territories, along with billions of people worldwide. After many years of active participation, the Earth Hour campaign in Vietnam has spread strongly throughout the country, becoming a meaningful annual event held every March. From raising awareness and promoting understanding, the campaign has made a significant contribution to transforming awareness into concrete actions, encouraging the community to practice electricity conservation, efficient energy use, and environmental protection.

Text and photos: Tung Lam

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tiet-kiem-nang-luong-huong-ung-thong-diep-gio-trai-dat-2025-243509.htm