Tan Thang Cement: Inauguration of waste heat generation system (WHR)
On May 20, Tan Thang Cement Factory (Quynh Luu, Nghe An) held the inauguration ceremony of the waste heat generation system (WHR) with a capacity of 8,650 kW.
This is considered a technological breakthrough to reduce CO₂ emissions, save energy and contribute to the goal of developing a sustainable cement industry in Vietnam.
Technological breakthrough
Starting from April 30, 2025, the WHR system has been put into commercial operation after an urgent process of construction, installation, testing and completion of necessary legal procedures. This is an important milestone in the process of realizing the goal of energy saving, environmental protection, improving resource efficiency and sustainable development of Tan Thang Cement Factory.
This project complies with Decision No. 1488/QD-TTg issued on August 29, 2011 on the "Planning for the development of Vietnam's cement industry for the period 2011 - 2020 and orientation to 2030", and Decision No. 1266/QD-TTg dated August 18, 2020 approving the "Strategy for the development of Vietnam's construction materials for the period 2021 - 2030, orientation to 2050" issued by the Prime Minister.
The project not only contributes to the implementation of the Government's National Strategy on "Green Growth for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050", but also demonstrates the responsibility of enterprises with the commitment to bring net emissions to "0" (Net Zero) by 2050 that Vietnam made at the COP26 Conference.
With an optimized location – right next to the Clinker Cooling Grate and Heat Exchanger Tower in the factory premises, the WHR system helps to fully utilize the heat from 100% of the waste gas generated during the production process to generate electricity, reducing emissions by about 40,000 tons of CO₂/year (calculated over 330 operating days). The concentration of dust emitted into the environment is sharply reduced from 30 mg/Nm³ to only 10 mg/Nm³ – in line with strict environmental standards of the EU and G7.
Heat recovery-power generation technology is expected to create a typical production model that can be replicated in the cement industry - one of the largest energy consuming and emission emitting industries in Vietnam.
Platform for being awarded the “green cement” label
This system is also an important foundation for Tan Thang to meet the conditions for requesting the "green cement" label, moving towards mass production of environmentally friendly products, meeting the trend of sustainable consumption in the market.
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The system brings “double benefits” in energy efficiency: It saves 25-30% of the electricity purchased from EVN, helping the factory reduce 78-80 billion VND per year; and contributes significantly to energy security and reduces pressure on the national power transmission system - especially during peak season.
Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan - General Director of Tan Thang Cement Joint Stock Company, Head of Project Management Board of waste gas heat generation system of Tan Thang Cement Factory.
Not only bringing economic and environmental efficiency, the construction and operation of the WHR system also creates more job opportunities for local people, contributing to promoting the socio-economic development in Quynh Luu district, Nghe An. This is a model for cement enterprises in linking economic development - environmental protection - improving community life.
Acknowledging the efforts of investors and construction contractors, Mr. Nguyen Quang Cung - Chairman of Vietnam Cement Association shared: The initial results and successes after the system was put into operation have proven the effectiveness and benefits that the system brings. Tan Thang Cement Factory has originally chosen and used the world's leading machinery and equipment system, now combined with the waste heat generation system with such a thorough investment, will bring about very high economic and environmental efficiency in the coming time.
The WHR project at Tan Thang Cement Plant, implemented by the contractor Shanghai Conch Kawasaki Engineering Co., Ltd, was signed on October 30, 2023 and started construction on March 25, 2024. Thanks to the efforts and effective coordination between the parties, the project completed construction, installation and no-load test run on December 30, 2024 - 5.5 months ahead of schedule compared to the signed contract, and is one of the WHR systems with the fastest construction time in Vietnam, in just 9.5 months.
The WHR power generation system has a designed capacity of 9,000 kW for the Clinker production line of 5,000 tons/day. With a Gross generation capacity of 8,650 kW and a NET generation capacity of 8,035 kW, it helps save about 1/3 of the monthly electricity consumption for the entire factory.
This is not only a significant technological advance but also brings sustainable economic benefits with a payback period of only about 6 years.
Located in Tan Thang Commune, Quynh Luu District, Nghe An Province, Tan Thang Cement Factory is one of the few factories in Vietnam capable of producing special cement lines such as superplastic cement and sulfate-resistant cement. From the beginning, Tan Thang Cement Joint Stock Company has determined the goal of becoming the leading cement brand in Vietnam in terms of quality and service, with the goal of "Creating a difference, building trust".
On the journey of sustainable development, Tan Thang pioneers in applying modern technology following the trend of industrial revolution 4.0, investing in advanced production lines to help save energy and reduce emissions. The factory uses a dust filtration system combining bag filters and electrostatic dust filters, ensuring compliance with strict environmental standards of the EU and G7.
