With outstanding advantages in cleanliness and competitive pricing, since its market debut, CNG has attracted great interest and adoption from numerous manufacturing enterprises.
In September 2008, the first CNG production plant of CNG Vietnam Joint Stock Company (CNG Vietnam) and also the first of its kind in Vietnam, began operations to supply industrial consumers with an initial capacity of 30 million cubic meters of gas per year. Currently, this plant is being expanded to increase its capacity to 70 million cubic meters of gas per year by early 2011.
According to the development strategy through 2015, with a vision to 2025, CNG Vietnam will invest in building new plants in Nhon Trach (Dong Nai), Hiep Phuoc (Ho Chi Minh City), Can Tho, and Ca Mau to achieve a supply output of 250 million cubic meters of gas per year by 2015 for the Southeast and Southwest markets.
CNG is the abbreviation for Compressed Natural Gas, with the main component being methane (CH4), extracted from gas pipelines, compressed at high pressure (200–250 bar) into specialized tanks for transportation to consumption sites.
Outstanding features of CNG:
First: CNG is a clean fuel source. Using CNG emits no toxic gases such as CO, NO, SOx – gases that are particularly harmful to the environment and human health.
Second: Cost savings in fuel usage: The cost of using CNG is 10–15% lower than FO, DO, and LPG, helping businesses reduce product costs.
Third: CNG usage improves product quality: With stable composition and no impurities, CNG combustion consistently maintains calorific value, facilitating easier machine operation and better product quality. Food production and processing companies can avoid cross-contamination from harmful substances present in DO and FO.
Fourth: Using CNG helps businesses reduce maintenance time and costs, while increasing the lifespan of machinery and equipment. Applications of CNG in Vietnam: Fuel replacement for factories.
Current CNG customers are highly diverse, operating in various industries.
Specifically:
- Steel industry: Thu Duc Steel Plant, Bien Hoa Steel, Pomina Steel, Dai Thien Loc Steel Sheet.
- Ceramic tile industry: Bach Thanh Ceramic Tiles, Long Tai Ceramic Tiles, My Y Ceramic Tiles, Thanh Thanh Ceramic Tiles, Caesar high-end sanitary ware.
- Food industry: URC Vietnam, Sai Gon Cafe, Dielac (Vinamilk), Friesland Campina (Dutch Lady), Masan (Chinshu brand).
All customers using CNG highly appreciate the economic, social, and environmental benefits that CNG brings.
Usage in the transportation sector: CNG replaces gasoline for transportation vehicles with simple, safe, and easy-to-use technology. Transitioning to CNG helps protect the environment and saves at least 30% in fuel costs.
Usage in residential areas: CNG will be supplied to residential areas to replace other fuels, providing people with a clean and affordable energy source.
(Ha Noi Moi, October 19, Economic Section)
