From October 20 to 23, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade) in collaboration with the World Bank (WB) organized the training program "Scaling Up Energy Efficiency for Technical Staff in the Paper and Pulp Industry" within the framework of the Vietnam Scaling Up Energy Efficiency Project (VSUEE).

The Pulp and Paper industry is currently one of the five most energy-intensive industries in Vietnam, with energy costs accounting for 20–30% of total production costs. Most factories in the sector still operate with outdated, low-efficiency technologies and have yet to make strong investments in energy optimization solutions. Meanwhile, the production process requires large amounts of heat and electricity for key stages such as pulping, paper drying, wastewater, and chemical treatment — leaving significant potential for energy efficiency improvements within the industry.

In addition to high energy costs, enterprises are also facing increasingly stringent environmental and carbon emission standards from export markets such as the EU, the US, and Japan. Therefore, using energy efficiently not only helps reduce operational costs but also serves as a vital strategy for compliance with green regulations, improving competitiveness, and enabling deeper participation in global supply chains.

The goal of the training program is to enhance the technical capacity and practical skills of engineers and technical staff in pulp and paper enterprises, enabling them to identify, evaluate, and implement effective and feasible energy efficiency solutions tailored to their factory’s specific conditions.

The training was designed with a “learning-by-doing” approach, featuring key topics such as: Identification and development of energy efficiency (EE) projects; Energy audit and financial analysis of EE projects; Introduction and application of Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems; Application of advanced technologies for energy management and optimization in paper production.

In particular, the program explored sector-specific technical solutions, including: Improvement of steam and heat systems, boilers, and air compressors; Enhancement of insulation for steam pipelines and reduction of heat loss; Application of inverters (VFDs) for large-capacity motors, fans, and pumps; Fuel switching from fossil fuels to biomass or natural gas; Installation of rooftop solar systems for auxiliary facilities; Waste heat recovery and utilization of secondary energy; Development of Energy Management Systems (EnMS) in accordance with ISO 50001. Participants also engaged in hands-on calculations, simulations, and group discussions, enabling them to translate theory into practice and apply learned skills directly to technical operations at their plants.

Through open discussions, trainees shared real-world experiences from factory operations, gaining deeper insights into how to implement EE projects and access green financing and technical support available under the VSUEE Project. This approach helped participants not only strengthen their technical understanding but also gain a clearer view of policies, mechanisms, and green financial models, key factors in turning energy efficiency solutions into reality.

In the context of Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, promoting energy efficiency in the Pulp and Paper industry carries strategic significance. This training program not only contributes to capacity building for technical staff, but also helps foster a culture of green and energy-efficient production across the industry, thereby supporting the national goals of energy transition, green economic development, and sustainable energy security.