(vasep.com.vn) In order to use energy economically and effectively, the Mekong Delta has initially established energy management system and implemented power saving solutions, particularly in rice and seafood processing.
With an aim to save 5 – 8 percent of power consumption in the period of 2011 – 2015, energy efficiency implementation in small and medium enterprises should be intensified.
Ten years ago, the Mekong Delta had over 80 facilities of seafood processing, mainly pangasius and shrimp. Currently, the number amounts to more than 200 ones out of 560 ones all over the country. Total designed processing capacity of the Mekong Delta has now exceeded 1.2 million MT of raw material per year.
According to the plan towards 2015 of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the production of processed seafood in the locality is expected to reach 1 million MT per year.
A survey on energy consumption in seafood processing plants showed that their energy consumption is 2.4 times higher than the world’s average level. Workers’ way of equipment operating and outdated technology are considered to be the major causes of energy loss.
In Vinh Long province, some enterprises have held initiative in implementing energy audit with an aim to raise workers’ awareness and reduce power cost that makes up a large amount out of the enterprises’ total input cost. Some enterprises saved a significant amount of fuel and water thanks to improving and streamlining the existing equipments. Thanks to energy efficiency implementation, Vinh Long province saved nearly 9.7 million Kwh in 2011, and more than 11 million Kwh in 2012.