HCM CITY — The US-based Asia Biogas Limited plans to introduce state-of-the-art waste treatment technology that will provide low-cost energy to local industries and consumers.

"We hope to bring to Viet Nam new technology which can not only help to protect the environment, but also create a source of cheap energy," David Donnelly, managing director of the company, said at a seminar last week held by the US Consulate’s Commercial Service in HCM City.

The anaerobic digestion technology, Donnelly said, would lead to lower energy prices, at least 20 per cent compared with the market price.

The company would also set a ceiling for its selling price so customer costs would remain stable during global price fluctuations, he said.

Among the company’s potential buyers in Viet Nam are breweries, large farms, slaughterhouses, seafood processing plants and paper mills.

Total capital to be invested in the Vietnamese market is targeted at US$10 million.

"Viet Nam is focusing increasing attention on environmental issues. Public awareness of these issues is creating pressure for industries to do a better job to regulate themselves. Environmental technologies are necessary," William Marshak, principal commercial officer of the US Commercial Service, said.

AsiaBIOGAS currently is operating 75 projects in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, where a total of 50 of its waste treatment stations are located.

It set up its representative office in Viet Nam about one month ago. — VNS