In the context of rising energy prices, the gradual depletion of fossil fuels, and increasing pressure to reduce emissions, energy efficiency is not only a cost-cutting measure but also helps paper and pulp enterprises maintain competitiveness and move toward sustainable development.

According to the list of key energy-using facilities for 2023, there are currently more than 100 paper and pulp manufacturing facilities classified as major energy users nationwide. The sector consumes an average of 18–30 GJ of energy per ton of product—significantly higher than the regional average.

According to the Institute of Energy Management (IAE), in Vietnam, biomass is the primary fuel source for the paper industry, accounting for about 45%, followed by coal at 30%. The remainder comes from other fuels such as oil and natural gas. Bioenergy, which is already the industry's main energy source, is targeted to reach 50% by 2030 under the Net Zero emissions scenario.

Electricity and coal remain the two major energy sources, with electricity accounting for 10–15% of total production costs, while coal and biomass supply most of the thermal energy for boilers, drying, and paper finishing. Cooking pulp, grinding, drying, paper finishing, and compressed-air operation are considered “hotspots” of energy consumption, accounting for up to 60–70% of a plant’s total energy use.

The inability to optimize energy use has significantly increased production costs, reducing business competitiveness amid rapidly rising electricity and fuel prices.

Mr. Ma Khai Hien, Director of the Center for Research and Development on Energy Efficiency (ENERTEAM), stated: “Energy consumption in the paper sector accounts for about 5% of total industrial energy use, primarily from biomass and coal.”

Among all processes, boiler and steam systems have the highest energy-saving potential, accounting for roughly one-quarter of total consumption. Recovering condensate, installing heat exchangers, optimizing combustion, and adjusting boiler capacity can reduce energy use by 15–20%.

Other solutions also offer significant savings, such as: Optimizing compressed-air systems: reducing excess pressure, fixing leaks, and recovering heat can save 20–30% of electricity; Replacing motors with high-efficiency models and using variable frequency drives (VFDs): reduces 15–25% of electricity for pumps, fans, and grinders; Recovering waste heat from boilers or paper dryers: using it to preheat feedwater can save 10–15% energy and extend equipment lifespan.

In addition to management measures, technological upgrades and fuel switching are considered key solutions for the industry’s green development strategy. Many factories are replacing low-efficiency coal-fired boilers with high-efficiency biomass boilers using agricultural by-products, sawdust, or bark as fuel. This solution both reduces operating costs and significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions.

Some advanced enterprises have adopted combined heat and power (CHP) systems, which utilize heat from combustion to generate electricity and supply steam, boosting overall energy efficiency to 75–80%. Rooftop solar is also becoming increasingly popular, helping reduce national-grid electricity consumption and stabilize energy supply.

Large-scale enterprises are also implementing comprehensive improvements: upgrading drying systems, renovating counter-wash water-recovery systems, reusing surplus steam for cooking vessels, adjusting chiller operating schedules, and optimizing pump and fan operation. Although small individually, these measures collectively yield substantial energy savings.

One of the pioneers in energy efficiency is Vietnam Paper Corporation (VINAPACO), located in Phu Tho. With production capacities of 68,000 tons of pulp and 100,000 tons of paper per year, VINAPACO previously operated low-efficiency coal-fired boilers that consumed large amounts of fuel and emitted tens of thousands of tons of CO₂ annually.

To reduce costs and meet environmental requirements, the company has planned to invest in a biomass-fuel combined heat and power (CHP) system to replace coal. The project has a total investment of about USD 36 million and is expected to deliver more than 75% energy efficiency, significantly reduce operating costs, and cut annual CO₂ emissions.

The company is currently collaborating with clean-energy technology providers such as Vynvke, Enesco, KPN Green Energy, and Thermax to select the optimal CHP model. Beyond economic benefits, the project has a substantial environmental impact, helping the company become a model for emission reduction and carbon-neutral development.

Not only large enterprises but also small- and medium-sized companies are actively implementing energy-saving solutions. At Viet Tri Paper Joint Stock Company (Phu Tho), energy costs previously accounted for 8–10% of total production costs.

Since 2021, the company has invested in a modern production line with a capacity of 100,000 tons per year, installed variable frequency drives on major motors, and replaced vacuum pumps with high-efficiency turbo pumps. As a result, the pump system has reduced electricity costs by 40–45%, equivalent to billions of VND annually. Viet Tri Paper has also worked with energy experts under the KOICA–Korea project to conduct energy audits and implement additional measures such as rooftop solar, replacing aeration machines, and installing soft starters for fans—contributing to reduced greenhouse-gas emissions.

Efforts to implement energy efficiency solutions not only help paper and pulp businesses reduce costs but also enhance competitiveness and meet increasingly strict environmental requirements from international partners.