Let's prevent electricity waste from becoming a "disease".

Energy is likened to the bloodstream that nourishes and powers the economy ; among them, electricity is the primary and most important energy source. Therefore, using electricity economically, efficiently, and avoiding waste is a requirement in all fields, from production to daily life.

Construction and installation of the positioning frame for the 500KV power line project connecting Nam Dinh 1 Thermal Power Plant and Thanh Hoa . Photo: Minh Hang

Electricity losses remain high.

In recent years, Vietnam has been ranked among the top-performing countries in the region in terms of GDP growth. Along with this economic growth, the demand for energy, especially electricity, has also increased rapidly. Specifically, between 2011 and 2019, Vietnam's energy growth rate was approximately 7%; however, the growth rate of electricity demand was much higher, reaching around 9.5%. Nevertheless, as a developing country, Vietnam still experiences significant electricity waste compared to other countries in the region and the world .

In this general context, Thanh Hoa is also one of the localities with a rapidly increasing electricity demand. This stems from the needs of local socio-economic development. Accordingly, in the first six months of 2024 alone, the growth rate of the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is estimated at 11.5%; of which, the Industrial Production Index (IIP) is estimated to increase by 15.8% compared to the same period. 17 out of 18 key industrial products increased, with some products experiencing strong growth, such as: fuel oil increased by 33.9%, motor gasoline by 23.3%, sports shoes by 15.9%, various types of iron and steel by 12.2%, ready-made clothing by 11.6%... In reality, these are also industries that consume a very large amount of electricity.

According to calculations by Thanh Hoa Power Company, in the production structure of economic sectors in Thanh Hoa province, the industrial sector accounts for the largest proportion of total commercial electricity consumption. Specifically, in 2023, the industrial sector's electricity consumption was 3,968.59 million kWh, accounting for 55.87%; it is estimated that in 2024, the industrial sector's electricity consumption will be 4,477.53 million kWh, accounting for 56.43%.

However, along with the growth rate of the industrial sector in general, and key industrial products in particular, Thanh Hoa is also one of the localities with a relatively high rate of electricity loss. According to Thanh Hoa Power Company, the cumulative electricity loss rate in Thanh Hoa for the first six months of 2024 was 3.89% (0.08% lower than the annual plan and 1.29% lower than the same period last year). With this figure, Thanh Hoa's electricity loss rate is the 14th lowest out of 27 provinces and cities.

Objectively speaking, in recent years, along with the investment in the construction of 12 new 110kV substations and the focus on renovating and repairing the power grid to ensure stable power supply for socio-economic development, the electricity loss rate in Thanh Hoa has decreased over the years (from 5.64% in 2020 to 3.89% in the first six months of 2024). However, the figure of 3.89% is still quite high. According to experts, inefficient or wasteful electricity use will generate additional costs, pose risks to economic development; affect the lives and sustainable development of the community; and further have a negative impact on energy security, wasting resources...

The wasteful use of electricity in Thanh Hoa stems from many objective and subjective causes. Thanh Hoa is a province with a large electricity supply area, spanning many geographical regions, and its population is unevenly distributed, resulting in medium-voltage distribution grids with some lines exceeding 200km in length. Meanwhile, the medium-voltage grid still includes many 6kV, 10kV, 22kV, and 35kV voltage levels (4 6kV lines, 41 10kV lines, and 26 intermediate substations), which have been operating for many years and have incompatible equipment, leading to compromised voltage quality and premature overloading of low-voltage lines, causing difficulties in management and operation. Another noteworthy issue is the dilapidated low-voltage grid infrastructure serving rural areas, with small-diameter conductors and long lines (many substations have distances from the furthest load exceeding 2km), resulting in low voltage; While annual investment capital is limited, thorough renovation and upgrading are not yet possible. Furthermore, in recent years, due to prolonged periods of hot weather with high temperatures, electricity demand has increased significantly, and peak electricity usage has shifted to nighttime, creating difficulties in managing operations and balancing the power grid.

Community of Responsibility

Although Vietnam has a diverse power generation structure, thermal and hydroelectric power remain the two most fundamental and important sources of electricity serving socio-economic development. However, these are also the types of electricity that, the larger the production volume, the greater the trade-off in terms of non-renewable energy resources and the environment. For example, the cement industry is considered a major electricity consumer, with an average consumption of approximately 100 kWh per ton of cement. This is without considering the fact that cement production requires limestone and coal, releasing millions of tons of CO2 into the environment annually. Therefore, all aspects of life and production, especially industrial production, must pay special attention to efficient electricity use and avoid waste.

First and foremost, to prevent electricity waste from becoming an incurable problem, the crucial requirement is for relevant authorities to implement management and technical measures to reduce losses during transmission, distribution, and energy conversion to end users. Accordingly, Thanh Hoa Power Company needs to develop a plan, operating methods, and scenarios for electricity supply in 2024 that are appropriate and effective. Simultaneously, it must optimize the operation of the distribution grid to efficiently utilize primary energy sources and reduce system losses. This includes implementing technical management solutions, investing in, renovating, and upgrading the grid; strengthening technical management, minimizing incidents, ensuring safe, stable, and reliable grid operation, reducing energy losses, and guaranteeing electricity quality. Furthermore, it should actively coordinate with relevant departments and agencies in inspecting electricity consumption against the registered load profiles of several large customers in the province.

Thanh Hoa province is traversed by the 500kV Quang Trach - Pho Noi circuit 3 power line. Therefore, with the close and decisive direction of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee and the involvement of the entire political system in land clearance and construction support, the Thanh Hoa Power Company is required to propose appropriate technical solutions to reduce the power outage time during the construction of the 500kV power line crossing sections with 220kV, 110kV, and medium- and low-voltage lines. This will ensure the project is completed on schedule as directed by the Prime Minister, while also maintaining electricity supply for production and daily life in the province. Besides immediate solutions, in the long term, accelerating the investment, construction, and commissioning of power projects, especially key projects, will be an important basis for ensuring safe and efficient electricity supply for socio-economic development as well as the lives and activities of the people.

The solutions mentioned above are preliminary and foundational. Simultaneously, each sector and field, especially industry – which accounts for a high proportion of total commercial electricity production – needs to have plans for managing and optimizing electricity, as well as specific actions to save and avoid wasting electricity in production and business processes.

Each year, Son Trang Thanh Hoa Tunnel Brick Joint Stock Company (located in Hoang Trung commune, Hoang Hoa district) uses nearly 2 million kWh of electricity (one of the 5 customers with electricity consumption of 1 million kWh/year or more, managed by Hau Loc Power Company). Mr. Le Ngoc Phuong, the company's CEO, said: To reduce electricity costs, the company has installed variable frequency drives for motors to reduce energy consumption. At the same time, they have shifted summer working hours (instead of 7:00-11:00 AM to 4:30-8:30 PM) to avoid peak hours and high electricity prices, while also ensuring the health of their employees...

According to a survey by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the potential for energy savings in many industries can reach 20-30%. However, achieving this figure requires businesses to invest in modern technology capable of optimizing energy efficiency. In reality, however, in Thanh Hoa province, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for up to 90% of businesses, and the majority are still using outdated technology. Meanwhile, their limited financial capacity restricts their ability to invest in modern technology and circular energy-saving technologies. Furthermore, many businesses have yet to develop sustainable development strategies coupled with strong commitments to energy conservation.

Article 9 of the Law on Economical and Efficient Energy Use clearly stipulates the responsibilities of industrial production facilities in using energy economically and efficiently. Accordingly, industrial production facilities must develop and implement annual energy-saving and efficient energy use plans. Simultaneously, they must apply technical standards, regulations, and energy consumption norms prescribed by competent State agencies; select and apply advanced production management processes and models, appropriate technological measures, and high-energy-efficiency technological equipment; and utilize more efficient alternative energy sources in the production line. Furthermore, they must implement operating procedures and maintenance regimes for equipment in the production line to prevent energy losses; and gradually phase out outdated and energy-intensive equipment as prescribed by the Prime Minister...

Thus, the efficient and economical use of energy has been mandated by law. Therefore, saving electricity and preventing waste is an obligation, a responsibility, and a mandatory requirement that every business must comply with. Furthermore, efficient electricity use and avoiding waste also contribute to improving the production and business efficiency of enterprises. Therefore, saving and preventing waste of electricity must truly become a habit, ingrained in the awareness and actions of each enterprise, for the benefit and sustainable development of that enterprise.

Le Dung

Lesson 4: Green Economy: Thanh Hoa Joins the Journey.

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/to-quoc-can-dien-nhu-co-the-can-mau-bai-3-khong-de-lang-phi-dien-thanh-mot-can-benh-221771.htm