China aids Hanoi with waste-to-power plant

In a groundbreaking project, China First Metallurgical Group has completed its first overseas waste-to-energy plant in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The largest waste incineration power plant in Vietnam has not only revolutionized waste management in the country but has also involved the training of local workers.

The plant has addressed the city's growing waste problem by processing 4,000 metric tons of urban waste every day, more than 60 percent of the city's daily waste, the group said.

The technology in the facility not only converts waste into green energy but also ensures environmentally friendly treatment.

Hu Changbing, manager of the group's Vietnam branch, said: "The plant is an achievement of the cooperation between China and Vietnam. It is a green project that benefits local residents."

Since the first unit started generating electricity in July last year, the plant has been operating well, Hu said.

The project was built on the former site of Hanoi's waste treatment center, where the majority of the city's waste was previously buried in landfill.

In addition to generating clean energy through incineration, the plant also produces environmentally friendly bricks from the residue.

The emitted gases and wastewater are treated to meet European Union emission standards and achieve drinking-water quality.

Covering an area of 170,000 square meters, the plant consists of waste storage pools, incinerators, treatment and processing plants, and waste gas treatment facilities.

Recalling the start of the project, Hu said to gain the trust of local residents, his group set up a dedicated team of Chinese and Vietnamese personnel to explain the benefits of the project and recruit local people.

Vietnam lacked experience in waste incineration power plant construction. The Chinese team has set a bench mark for the local industry and left behind valuable technical knowledge, Hu said.

During the peak of construction, over 80 percent of the 2,000 workers employed were locals.

"The local workers proved to be intelligent and diligent. They learn skills quickly," Hu said.

In 2021, Hu took over the management of the Vietnam project.

Hu, a native of Yichang city, Hubei province, has been working with the group for 23 years since graduating from Hubei University of Technology with a degree in civil engineering.

"Chinese masters led groups of Vietnamese workers, teaching them skills and safety regulations, and assessing their qualifications before allowing them to work.

"This approach has empowered the local workers with valuable skills in various trades, including high-pressure welding and carpentry," Hu said.

This success has also inspired the construction of multiple waste incineration power plants in Vietnam, with many workers having gained their skills and experience from the project, he added.

The project was carried out under the framework of China's Belt and Road Initiative and was aimed at contributing to the sustainable development of the Vietnamese capital.