Vietnam has started construction of a rice processing complex in Can Tho City with an annual processing capacity of 500,000 tonnes. The project also includes a centre to supply biomass fuel, with rice husks from the processing operations planned for use in power generation, INTELLINEWS reported.
The project is being developed by Green CT Company and aims to connect rice processing with renewable energy production. Construction began on October 3, Viet Nam News reported.
The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s largest rice-producing region. It covers around 3.6 million hectares and produces more than 24 million tonnes of paddy each year. Processing this large quantity of rice produces significant amounts of rice husks. The project aims to use these husks as fuel for power plants instead of treating them as waste.
The Can Tho project is the first of five rice processing complexes and biomass fuel supply centres that Green CT plans to establish across the Mekong Delta.
Green CT General Director Nguyen Minh Tuan said during the groundbreaking ceremony that improving rice processing technology and making better use of agricultural by-products had become necessary as the global economy moves towards more environmentally friendly growth.
The new complex will use modern equipment to improve the quality of rice for export. Rice husks collected from Green CT’s processing facilities will be supplied to the Hau Giang Biomass Power Plant, which has received investment from Japanese company Erex.
Erex Senior Executive Officer Tomoki Kakuta said the Hau Giang plant is described as Vietnam’s first commercial biomass power project to supply electricity directly for local use. The plant uses more than 100,000 tonnes of rice husks each year and provides electricity to around 50,000 households.
Kakuta said Erex plans to invest in 18 biomass power plants in Vietnam.
Le Cong Ly, deputy chairman of the Can Tho City People’s Committee, said integrated processing systems that make use of agricultural by-products could increase the value of rice and other agricultural products in the region.
He urged the investor and its partners to complete construction on schedule and establish a transparent raw material supply area that provides clear benefits to cooperatives and farmers. He also called for measures to ensure a stable supply of fuel throughout the year.
