The Soc Son Waste-to-Energy Plant -- the largest in Vietnam and the second biggest in the world -- was officially inaugurated in Trung Gia commune, Hanoi, on October 13.

With a capacity to process 5,000 tonnes of waste per day and generate 90 MW of electricity, the facility has been connected to the national grid since July 2022. It is considered a long-term solution to Hanoi's waste management challenge.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh highlighted the significance of the inauguration, noting that it marks a crucial milestone, demonstrating the city's strong commitment to modernising waste collection, transportation, and treatment.

Thanh requested that relevant agencies urgently develop a plan to treat one million cubic metres of waste buried at the Nam Son solid waste treatment complex, processing all long-accumulated landfill waste within the next five to seven years.

Invested by Hanoi Thien Y Environmental Energy JSC -- a member of CNTY-EUZY Group, the project's construction began in August 2019 with a total investment of over 320 million USD. It uses advanced Belgian mechanical grate furnace technology that meets the stringent environmental standards of both Europe and Vietnam.

According to Tao Duc Tieu, General Director of CNTY-EUZY Group, Hanoi produces about 7,500 tonnes of household waste daily, posing a growing challenge to the environment and public health. He said the plant provides a sustainable solution by converting waste into clean energy, contributing to socio-economic development and building a greener and more modern capital.

Nguyen Thi Hong Van, General Director of VNTY - the operator of HNTY, said that after more than three years of trial operation, the plant is now in regular operation, treating about 70% of Hanoi's daily household waste and replacing traditional landfills. She expressed hope that the second phase would soon begin to process long-buried waste, thus reclaiming land areas for parks and public spaces, and preventing soil and groundwater pollution.

The Soc Son waste-to-energy plant symbolises green technology and Hanoi's vision for sustainable urban development -- turning waste into resources and the dream of a green, clean, modern capital into reality./.VNA

Hanoi inaugurates 90 MW waste-to-energy plant