In an era marked by the urgent challenges of climate change and the global push for sustainable development, the transition to a low-carbon economy has become a critical mission for businesses worldwide. Ca Mau Petroleum Fertilizer Joint Stock Company (Ca Mau Fertilizer), one of Vietnam’s leading fertilizer companies, is at the forefront of this movement with firm commitments and concrete actions aimed at carbon neutrality by 2050. Through its strategic initiatives, Ca Mau Fertilizer not only aligns itself with the nation’s carbon-neutrality goal but also paves the way for a balanced model of economic, environmental, and social development.
Energy efficiency and emission reduction
Since its establishment, Ca Mau Fertilizer has identified energy efficiency as a cornerstone of its sustainable development strategy. From 2012 to 2023, the company managed to reduce its overall energy consumption by 12%, while simultaneously increasing the production output of the Ca Mau Urea Plant to 115-116% of capacity.
In recognition of its efforts, Ca Mau Fertilizer was honored in 2022 as being among the “Top 10% of Low-Energy-Consuming Plants in the World” by Haldor Topsoe, a global leader in urea production technology. The company has also made significant strides in recovering and reusing CO2 emissions. In 2023, it successfully recovered CO2 from permeate gas and repurposed the remaining gases as raw materials for its production processes.
This focus on energy conservation has led to tangible results. Ca Mau Fertilizer’s gas consumption has decreased by 0.44%, and the company has reduced its emissions intensity—measured as CO2 emissions per ton of product—by 0.56% compared to 2022 levels. These measures are part of the company’s broader goal of cutting emissions by 7% by 2030, equivalent to reducing CO2 emissions by 60,000 tons annually.
To meet these ambitious targets, Ca Mau Fertilizer is adopting advanced technologies like Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems, which generate electricity from waste heat. The company is also researching ways to capture CO2 from natural gas and combustion processes, reducing its overall environmental footprint and advancing the sustainability of industrial production.
Transition to green energy
Central to Ca Mau Fertilizer’s sustainability strategy is its transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This shift not only helps the company reduce its greenhouse gas emissions but also decreases its reliance on traditional energy sources, setting the stage for a cleaner, greener future.
At the heart of its operations, the Ca Mau Urea Plant produces more than 1,500 tons of NH3 per day, requiring approximately 260 tons of hydrogen daily. Currently, this hydrogen is derived entirely from natural gas. However, Ca Mau Fertilizer is exploring the use of green hydrogen, which is produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy.
The transition to green hydrogen will significantly reduce carbon emissions and represents a major step forward in the development of environmentally friendly fertilizer production technologies.
The company’s innovation doesn’t stop there. Ca Mau Fertilizer is actively collaborating with partners to research and implement advanced CO2 recovery and reuse technologies in its production processes. These initiatives not only optimize production efficiency but also promise substantial economic benefits, potentially saving billions of Vietnam dong annually.
For example, the company’s CO2 recovery systems can now capture enough CO2 to increase urea production and produce food-grade CO2 for use in industries such as beverage manufacturing, meat processing, and freezing. This capability allows Ca Mau Fertilizer to supply 100 tons of food-grade CO2 per day, with an estimated economic value of US$3-4 million per year.
In its ongoing pursuit of green energy, the company has also launched renewable energy projects. One key project is the installation of a rooftop solar power system at the Ca Mau Urea Plant. With 74,000 square meters of roof space, this system has the potential to generate 10-15 MW of power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting CO2 emissions by 5,800 tons annually.
Furthermore, in 2023, Ca Mau Fertilizer embarked on a campaign to plant 300,000 trees as part of the “For a Green Vietnam” initiative, contributing to the Government’s goal of planting one billion trees nationwide. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable governance under the ESG framework
Ca Mau Fertilizer recognizes the critical role of sustainable governance in driving long-term success. To this end, the company has established an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee, which is responsible for assessing and promoting the company’s activities in accordance with international sustainability standards.
The formation of the ESG Committee enhances Ca Mau Fertilizer’s credibility with shareholders and the community while positioning the company as a leader in meeting international sustainability standards. This strategic move bolsters the company’s competitive edge in both domestic and global markets.
Partnering for sustainable prosperity
Ca Mau Fertilizer has consistently demonstrated leadership in creating value for its customers, particularly by providing high-quality products and supporting farmers and dealers.
The company regularly conducts seminars, offers advanced farming models, and provides direct technical support to help farmers increase productivity and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Online consulting activities, such as livestreamed sessions with agricultural experts, have further expanded the company’s reach, helping farmers embrace modern farming technologies.
Programs such as “Golden Tips” and “Wake Up to a Golden Crop” have not only raised awareness about sustainable farming but also strengthened the bond between Ca Mau Fertilizer and its customers. The company’s dealer network has also benefited from comprehensive support in terms of policy and training, ensuring long-term stability and growth.
Beyond its work with customers, Ca Mau Fertilizer is deeply committed to its social responsibilities. It sets aside nearly VND100 billion annually for comprehensive social welfare programs that support farmers affected by natural disasters, build infrastructure such as rural bridges and schools, and provide scholarships to children in disadvantaged regions. For instance, the company’s “Golden Pearl” scholarship program has supported millions of students on their educational journeys.
The company has also built hundreds of homes for the poor and policy families, reflecting its dedication to improving the quality of life in rural communities. In its most recent social outreach efforts, Ca Mau Fertilizer donated thousands of water tanks to communities affected by drought in the Mekong Delta and helped Northern provinces recover after typhoon Yagi.
