Rice husks. Photo: vaas

A new Vietnamese technology of using rice husks to replace fossil fuels has won the 2009 Energy Globe Awards (EGW)-sponsored by the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP).

The technology, with ceramic kilns fed by rice husks, was put into operation in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap in 2009 by the Centre for the Research and Development of Energy Savings (ENERTEAM) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The ENERTEAM said the project has provided ‘green brick’ technology for the Mekong Delta, home to thousands of traditional ceramic kilns at risk of being closed for using old technology that seriously pollutes the environment.

The application of this new technology will also help businesses increase their output, improve the quality of their products and ensure stable jobs for their workers.
Producing ceramics is a traditional craft which provides many people in Mekong Delta provinces with good incomes.

The project was part of a showcase programme initiated by the Asia-Pacific Forum on Environment and Development (APFED).

The award ceremony will take place in Rwanda on June 3.

In 2006, Vietnam also won an EGW prize for another bio fuel project.

Source: VNA/VOV