Energy saving: The solution to the competitive challenge for Vietnamese enterprises

DNHN - Amid rising energy costs and stringent demands from international markets, businesses need specific solutions to optimize energy.

According to Mr. Mach Dinh Khoa, Director of Business Strategy Development and Commercial Operations at Schneider Electric, energy saving is not only an inevitable trend but has also become a decisive factor in helping Vietnamese enterprises maintain their competitive edge. With rising energy costs and strict requirements from international markets, businesses need specific solutions to optimize energy.

Awareness of energy saving – from regulation to voluntary commitment

Currently, energy costs in some industries can account for up to 15-20% of total production costs. In a context of rising prices, consumers increasingly demand that product prices remain stable or even decrease. This presents a major challenge for businesses, who must find ways to save energy without affecting product quality while still ensuring profitability.

Especially for export enterprises, the requirement to report carbon emissions from products has become more urgent than ever, particularly as the European market has implemented carbon taxes on some key industries. Without timely improvements, businesses will gradually lose their competitive edge in the international market.

While still holding a strong position in the export market, many Vietnamese enterprises have yet to fully recognize the importance of energy saving. Many see it merely as a measure to comply with government requirements, rather than as an improvement strategy to enhance competitiveness.

Mr. Mach Dinh Khoa emphasized that energy saving is not just a market requirement but a long-term commitment that requires determination and continuous action from businesses. Energy measurement and management systems are among the solutions Schneider Electric proposes to help enterprises control energy consumption and optimize efficiency.

Clearer standards and regulations needed

Mr. Mach Dinh Khoa believes that, in the future, for energy saving to truly become a standard, there must be more specific and clear regulations from the Government. Beyond just encouragement, businesses need specific commitments and should be held legally responsible if they do not fulfill their commitments to energy saving.

Moreover, the application of new technologies in energy management and saving also needs to be promoted. However, many businesses are still struggling to choose suitable technology, partly due to financial issues and human factors. To address this problem, Mr. Khoa suggests that businesses need support from independent, reliable consulting firms to develop long-term strategies.

Finally, Mr. Khoa also recommended that the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant agencies promptly issue specific technical standards and equipment regulations to help businesses implement energy savings in a synchronized and efficient manner. At the same time, the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy should be supplemented with stronger sanctions to ensure effective implementation.

Energy saving will not only help businesses reduce costs, and strengthen their competitive edge, but it is also a responsibility to the environment and society. Therefore, energy saving should become a priority strategy in the development process of businesses.

Anh Nguyen