Perceiving the operational efficiency and positive environmental impact of this new technology, Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation (EVNHCMC) enrolled in the Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM) program in 2017, beginning with the installation and operation of 892 amorphous transformers in the Ho Chi Minh city grid. JCM is the joint carbon certification mechanism within the Vietnam – Japan low-carbon development framework, designed to promote investment, transfer, and spread of low-carbon products, systems, services, and infrastructure in various fields. The mechanism aims to develop the low-carbon economy in Viet Nam as a contribution of Japan towards its commitment to support GHG emission reduction efforts and climate change responses worldwide.
Figure 1 – Operating Amorphous transformers in the HCMC grid
In terms of amorphous transformers, analysis conducted by the Corporation found that:
Energy losses: For the same capacity, amorphous transformers reduce 8% - 33% energy losses at different load factors due to the lower no-load losses (Po) in amorphous transformers compared to conventional transformers.
Figure 2 – Comparison of energy losses (kWh) in 1-year operation
CO2 emissions: The lower losses of energy in amorphous transformers translate to CO2 emissions lower than in conventional transformers. For the same capacity, at different load factors, CO2 emissions reduced by using amorphous transformers range from 0.9 to 3.5 tonnes/year.
Figure 3 – CO2 emission reduction
After the one-year period (2017-2018) with 892 amorphous transformers utilized, EVNHCMC has obtained a CO2 reduction certificate for 305 tonnes (see attached document).
In the following years, the Corporation expanded its procurement program and deployed more than 9,000 amorphous transformers for increased operational efficiency and lower energy losses and CO2 emissions. Energy losses have decreased from 3.72% to 3.12% between 2017 and 2021, among the top statistics regionally and worldwide. CO2 reduction also reached approximately 21,000 tonnes/year under the assumptive load factor of 60% for continuous operation of the amorphous transformers.
The deployment of amorphous transformers in the Ho Chi Minh city grid is a long-term contribution from EVNHCMC to the ongoing efforts for environmental protection of the city, Viet Nam, and the whole world.