The cement industry applies energy efficiency and conservation, moving toward green and sustainable development
Thứ năm, 04/12/2025 - 14:54
As one of the most energy-intensive sectors of heavy industry, the cement industry is accelerating technological transformation and optimizing production processes to save energy, reduce costs, and move toward sustainable development.
Green transition challenges in the cement industry
Vietnam’s cement industry currently ranks 3rd in the world, with an annual production output of over 110 million tons. As a fundamental industrial sector, it contributes significantly to economic growth, but it is also among the highest in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luong Duc Long, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Cement Association: “Electricity consumption for producing one ton of cement is around 90–100 kWh, while thermal energy needed to produce one ton of clinker is about 750–800 kcal/kg of clinker, equivalent to 107–114 kg of standard coal with a calorific value of 7,000 kcal/kg.”
To date, the Vietnamese cement industry has around 92 production lines with a total designed capacity of 122.34 million tons per year. If all lines operated at full capacity, annual electricity consumption could reach 110–122 million kWh.
Vietnam's cement industry is ranked 3rd in the world in terms of total industry production output.
Among the 92 production lines, 29 lines with small capacity (under 2,000 tons of clinker/day) are not required to invest in waste-heat recovery power generation systems. Meanwhile, 63 lines with capacities greater than 2,500 tons of clinker/day must invest in such systems, but only 35 have completed installation, with a total capacity of about 272 MW—representing 55% of the production lines and 60% of the sector’s waste-heat recovery potential.
According to the Vietnam Energy Association, 75% of the energy used in cement production is thermal energy. This presents a major challenge, especially as fossil fuel prices continue to rise, clean coal becomes increasingly scarce, and international market requirements for greenhouse-gas reduction grow stricter.
| A survey conducted under the VNEEP 3 Program found that Vietnam still has huge energy-saving potential, particularly in the industrial sector, which accounts for more than 50% of the country’s total energy consumption. In the cement industry specifically, energy costs—especially electricity—account for 10–15% of production costs. Therefore, implementing energy-saving solutions not only reduces expenses for businesses but also meaningfully contributes to the green-growth goals of the industrial sector. |
Investing in technology to save energy
In response to these challenges, many Vietnamese cement enterprises have proactively invested in energy-efficient technologies and waste-heat recovery for power generation.
Recognizing the potential to utilize waste heat from clinker kilns for electricity generation—thereby reducing reliance on external power sources—Quan Trieu Cement Joint Stock Company has pushed ahead with technological innovation and energy-use optimization. The plant currently operates a production line with a capacity of more than 2,000 tons of clinker/day, using limestone sourced from coal mining areas as its main feedstock.
Mr. Dao Trung Dung, Deputy Director in charge of technical operations at Quan Trieu Cement JSC, shared: “By using limestone from coal mining operations as the primary raw material, the company has reduced heat consumption and saved about 120–150 kcal/kg of clinker compared to other plants.”
Combustion system in the clinker-kiln area at Quan Trieu Cement Plant.
In parallel with production technology improvements, Quan Trieu also conducts regular energy audits, establishes an energy-management board to monitor electricity, coal, and water usage, and is researching investment in a waste-heat recovery power generation system from kiln exhaust gases. Once operational, the system is expected to meet about 30% of the plant’s electricity demand, helping reduce production costs and enhance overall energy efficiency.
At Quang Ninh Cement and Construction Joint Stock Company (Lam Thach Cement), several energy-saving solutions have also been implemented. Since March 2020, the company has invested in a co-processing line that uses non-hazardous industrial waste as an alternative fuel source for clinker-kiln combustion. As a result, Lam Thạch has been able to replace up to 40% of its coal consumption, saving approximately VND 13.2 billion per year.
An industrial solid-waste drying line is used as an alternative raw material at Lam Thach Cement Plant.
Additionally, the plant has reduced electricity consumption by around 10% by adjusting operating modes and upgrading equipment in the grinding and packaging stages. The company is also deploying a waste-heat recovery power generation system that, once completed, could supply up to 70% of the electricity required for production.
These solutions not only help businesses lower costs and maintain stable production amid fluctuating energy prices but also enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s cement industry during a period of technological transition and the move toward more efficient and conservation energy use.