Uttamenergy Successfully Commissioned 2 UNITS OF 10 MW Biomass Cogeneration Power Plant For A Vietnam-Based Leading Power Company

Introduction

While urban and industrial settings consume more power, the power needs of the rural areas are often overlooked. Renewable energy systems, particularly biomass power plants, present an efficient solution to meet the power needs of rural areas.

Recognising the increasing importance of biomass-based electricity generation through combustion and heating, our client sought our expertise to design, engineer, manufacture, and commission a biomass energy power plant. 

The plant is located in southern Vietnam, a region characterised by paddy farming.

The new plant leverages the area’s rich natural resources and agricultural residue. This aligns with Vietnam’s rapid growth in the energy sector and the Vietnamese government’s focus on developing the Southern part of the country through strategic investments. The plant’s focus is on biomass co-firing technology, which can significantly reduce emissions.

The plant aims to diversify electricity generation sources and bolster energy security in the surrounding regions. This project aligns with Vietnam’s net emission reduction policies and sustainable development goals.

About our client

Our client is a leading power company based in Vietnam. Partly owned by the State, the company collaborated with Japanese investors and other stakeholders for this biomass power plant. While our client has previously been engaged in hydro, wind, and thermal energy generation, this is its first biomass power plant project. Moreover, this is one of Vietnam’s largest biomass power plants that uses rice husk as fuel.

Our client’s challenge

The client has been engaged in wind, hydro, and thermal energy generation and has faced the challenge of entering the biomass energy sector for the first time. Our client’s primary concern was finding a power solutions company that could meet their performance standards and provide comprehensive services, including design, engineering, product supply, and commissioning. Uttamenergy’s experience, expertise, and technological capabilities in the biomass energy production sector ultimately led to its selection as the partner for this project.

Requirements of the project

  • High-quality standards: The client, an established power company, demanded adherence to the highest industry standards for the biomass power plant. This encompassed every stage, from design and engineering to manufacturing, installation, and commissioning. The plant needed to demonstrate its operations reliability, efficiency, and longevity.
  • Strict timelines: The client required the project to be completed within a defined timeframe. Uttamenergy needed to demonstrate project management capabilities to ensure on-time delivery without compromising quality.
  • Cost-efficiency: The client expected a cost-effective solution that optimised capital and operational expenditure. Uttamenergy needed to provide a design that balanced performance with economic viability, ensuring a competitive levelised cost of energy.
  • Renewable energy: The client was committed to sustainable energy generation, seeking a solution that utilised biomass resources efficiently and minimised environmental impact. The plant needed to align with Vietnam’s renewable energy goals and contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Using biomass energy also facilitates the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises and helps create jobs for local people.

Uttamenergy solutions

Uttamenergy provided a comprehensive solution for the biomass energy power plant, which included engineering, designing, manufacturing, and commissioning a 10 MW Biomass-Fired Steam Boiler. The plant is equipped with two independent generating units, each containing two boilers, two turbines, and two generators, alongside shared auxiliary facilities.

The solution features:

  • Biomass boiler technology: The plant uses conventional grate-fired biomass boiler technology, which uses environmentally neutral biomass fuel, primarily rice husks, known for its carbon-neutral properties. The high-efficiency travelling grate boiler is designed to fire multiple biomass fuels, ensuring optimal performance and lower environmental impact—key specifications of the boiler: 42 TPH, 75.6 ata, and 474 °C.
  • Fuel and ash handling: Fuel is transported through a port facility capable of accommodating ships up to 300 tons. The company also handled fuel and ash.
  • Equipment supplied: Uttamenergy supplied two 42 DPH boilers and two 10 MW turbines.
  • Environmental compliance: The project is equipped with advanced waste treatment technology to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Project execution process

The project execution involved several key steps and departments within Uttamenergy, along with overcoming various challenges:

Order placement and initial steps

Following a visit by the client’s representatives to Uttamenergy’s facility in Aurangabad, orders were placed, marking the official commencement of the project. Subsequently, Uttamenergy’s engineering team was deployed to the client site for four months to oversee the different phases of the project.

Challenges 

  • Language barriers: Uttamenergy and the client company encountered communication issues due to language differences.
  • Technical specifications and pace: Matching and adhering to the required technical specifications and speed posed significant challenges, as did aligning to compliance standards.
  • Documentation approval: Obtaining timely approval of documentation from both the client and the investor proved to be a hurdle in the project’s progression.
  • Component sourcing: Manufacturing and supplying numerous parts and components from Uttamenergy’s facility in India was undertaken. Certain other parts were designed and engineered in India but fabricated in Vietnam.

Uttamenergy departments involved

Some of the departments at Uttamenergy involved in the project were the proposal department for budget estimation, the purchasing department for procurement activities, the project execution department, the commercial and logistics department, the design and quality engineering teams, and the supply chain department, among others. 

The manufacturing facility was involved in manufacturing various parts, including boiler bank assembly, steam drum, mud drum/water drum, water wall panels along with headers, superheater assembly, economiser assembly, deaerator, blow down tanks, travelling grate, aerator assembly tubes, and crates.

The Uttamenergy advantage

Uttamenergy distinguishes itself as a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, offering extensive experience, technical capabilities, and resources for projects worldwide. The company has established a strong reputation for delivering reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions in the power sector, focusing on renewable energy sources like biomass and waste-to-energy. 

Key highlights of Uttamenergy’s deliverables:

  • High-quality standards: Uttamenergy is known for high-quality engineering, manufacturing, and project management. Since this project’s client was associated with Japanese investors, stringent quality standards were expected. Uttamenergy met these expectations through rigorous quality checks on each component, ensuring they met the required technical specifications. 
  • Customs clearance: Transporting over 6,000 components and parts manufactured in Uttamenergy’s Aurangabad facility to Vietnam presented a significant customs clearance challenge, which could have potentially delayed the project. A critical aspect of setting up power plants is maintaining the correct sequence of parts. Uttamenergy ensured the sequential supply of parts to meet this requirement.
  • Adherence to strict timelines: Despite a year-long project documentation approval process and frequent project changes, Uttamenergy successfully delivered the project within the predefined timelines.
  • Adherence to budgets: The project was delivered cost-effectively while remaining within the predefined budget.

Impact

The biomass power plant commissioned by Uttamenergy is expected to generate positive environmental, social, and economic impacts in Vietnam, supporting Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and aligning with the country’s mechanisms and policies for greenhouse gas reduction.

Environmental, social and economic considerations

Using biomass energy generated through this power plant will address critical issues related to the environment, society, and financials:

  • Power generation and access: The power generated by the biomass plant will be connected to the national electricity grid, which will supply electricity to remote areas, supporting the development of rural areas in southern Vietnam. Provision of power for irrigation and residential use in the region where the plant is located and the neighbouring regions.
  • Pollution control: Utilising agricultural residue for power generation helps control air pollution caused by open burning, turning waste into a valuable resource.
  • Renewable energy: This biomass power plant will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, utilise agricultural residue to generate power, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Energy diversification: This project will enhance the country’s energy security by diversifying energy sources and promoting renewable energy.
  • Regional development: Supporting the Vietnamese government’s focus on developing the Southern part of the country through investments in sustainable energy projects.
  • Economic benefits: Creating a sustainable energy source, particularly in forest areas, and reducing reliance on imported coal.

Need support for a biomass power plant?

Uttamenergy’s experienced team is always available to support and assist you with the most effective renewable energy solutions and products. Our expertise and experience in providing biomass energy power plant solutions spans across industries and regions. Contact us to explore how we can help you.

Renewable Energy Industry Trends 2025: Accelerating Energy Transition

Renewable energy has gained significant momentum in recent years, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions. In 2025, several key trends are expected to redefine the energy landscape, how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed.

Rising power demands, geopolitical shifts, digital advancements, and an increasing move towards incorporating renewable energy will redefine how the world produces, manages, and consumes energy.

From notable energy trends, such as solar and wind, to decentralised energy systems based on localising energy generation to utilising biomass and waste for generating energy, the renewable energy sector is embracing a mix of solutions for energy security.

This blog looks at notable trends expected to shape the renewable energy sector in 2025.

Trends to shape the renewable energy sector in 2025

Several clean energy trends are expected to shape the future of the renewable energy industry. Here are some of the strategic trends:

1. Renewables to drive carbon management

Renewables now serve as the core to carbon management strategies. According to a recent report by Deloitte, 72% of organisations have implemented strategies to reduce or help their customers reduce carbon emissions, primarily to meet sustainability goals. 

However, most respondents with partial integration faced a learning curve challenge. This indicates there are opportunities for better renewable energy implementation strategies and knowledge transfer. 

Renewables contribute to high-integrity carbon management solutions in two ways: by powering direct air capture (DAC) infrastructure and by providing an emerging carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approach.

2. A mix of solutions to address clean energy transition

Energy experts support an integrated and diversified portfolio approach to energy solutions. These solutions include energy storage systems, advanced nuclear technologies, clean fuels, hydrogen applications, and carbon removal solutions. 

No technology will solve the energy transition alone; a mix of solutions will be needed. Moreover, resource availability based on regions, regulatory frameworks based on different industries, and the existing infrastructure of different businesses necessitate a tailored energy solutions approach. This also opens opportunities for collaboration between energy solutions providers and organizations to accelerate the clean energy transition.

3. Biomass energy power plants expansion and integration

Another evolving renewable energy trend is the rapid and widespread adoption of biomass as a clean energy source. Utilising organic materials—including waste from plants, wood, animals, waste products, agricultural residues, and municipal solid waste—biomass energy is playing a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Asian markets, particularly India and China, are increasingly exploring biomass utilisation. Other regions, such as Europe and Latin America are expected to adopt more ambitious bioenergy and biomass programs. Both public and private sectors are directing investments in biomass energy systems to meet their carbon reduction goals and to address the growing energy demands.

4. A transition from fossil fuel dependency

While fossil fuels still remain a considerable part of the world’s energy mix, its use continues to decline as renewable energy sources keep getting more cost-effective. As biomass, wind, and solar become more cost-competitive, the dependence on fossil fuels will decline. 

While a considerable shift will take a long time, a sufficient increase in biomass recapture and utilisation could dramatically reduce fossil fuel use. Energy producers are under increasing pressure to move away from fossil fuels. As renewable energy sources become cheaper, more reliable, and accessible, the industry will naturally transition to cleaner options.

5. Energy, economy and manufacturing sectors align

Governments, industries, and populations are increasingly prioritising energy security, cost-efficient power sources, lowering carbon emissions, and adopting alternative and renewable energy sources. This new emerging energy economy presents significant opportunities, connecting energy solutions providers, manufacturing industries, and the economy. 

It is expected that in 2025, governments will further shape energy transition policies to support their industrial and economic ambitions with more integrated policies targeting jobs, investment and advanced energy investments’ broader economic impact.

6. Employment and job transformation in the renewable energy sector

The acceleration of renewable energy infrastructure will continue to generate employment growth. According to the Deloitte report, clean energy jobs accounted for more than half of energy jobs created in 2023 and 79% of new electric power generation jobs; these jobs grew at twice the rate of employment across the economy, while energy construction jobs grew at twice the rate of all construction jobs. Hiring in renewables has grown to twice the level of hiring in fossil fuels, underlining its potential for job creation.

The utility industry, which has the most significant share and demand for green skills—led by renewable energy and electrification, is in fierce competition with the technology industry. With its rapid growth, the technology industry is also driving the demand for green skills. 

Renewable energy: strategic outlook for 2025

2025 will see various efforts in the energy ecosystem to overcome challenges and fill gaps between supply and demand for clean energy. Multiple factors will influence the renewable energy sector’s continuous development. Factors such as:

  • Industrial policy and regulatory framework changes
  • Government initiatives and incentives 
  • Private sector investments
  • Contributions from energy solutions and technology companies
  • Increased commitment to sustainability across stakeholder groups
  • Low-cost energy solutions 

Uttamenergy is committed to contributing to energy security and clean energy goals with solutions including biomass energy, waste-to-energy, co-generation plants, captive power plants, and biomass-based independent power plants. The company has delivered high-quality renewable energy power plant solutions to various industries, including sugar, chemical, power, ethanol, and manufacturing. By leveraging innovative technologies and high-quality engineering, Uttamenergy is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of renewable energy. If you’re looking for renewable energy solutions, contact Uttamenergy.