Ho Chi Minh City pilots advanced 'supercritical water' waste treatment technology

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling economic hub, is once again demonstrating its commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability by piloting a cutting-edge waste treatment technology. The introduction of 'supercritical water' processing for medical and hazardous waste marks a significant step forward from traditional, often polluting methods like incineration and landfilling.

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With the development speed of Ho Chi Minh City and the city's requirements, the company is researching to innovate advanced and modern waste treatment technologies in a green and sustainable direction.

This new technology, which breaks down waste into fundamental elements like hydrogen and nitrogen, producing biomass fuel from plastics and recyclable inorganic materials, represents a paradigm shift. It addresses the severe environmental concerns associated with current waste management practices, which contribute to land and water pollution and release harmful emissions. The fact that Vietnam is only the second country globally to adopt this method, following Japan, highlights the nation's proactive approach to adopting advanced solutions.

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After signing the cooperation agreement today, we will bring new, modern technology to test, collect data and verify. At the same time, report to the competent authorities to replicate the medical waste treatment model that meets standards in the coming time.

The collaboration between the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Environment Company (Citenco) and Greenmed Ecotech underscores a strategic effort to tackle the city's escalating waste problem. With an average of 25-30 tons of medical waste generated daily, and a total daily waste output of 14,000-16,000 tons, the need for efficient and eco-friendly solutions is paramount. The initial focus on medical and hazardous waste, due to its immediate urgency, is a pragmatic approach, with plans to expand to household waste within six months if the pilot proves successful.

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Currently, more than 90% of waste is treated by landfilling, causing serious pollution to soil and water sources. The current waste incineration technologies generate a lot of toxic emissions such as dioxin and CO2.

This initiative aligns with Ho Chi Minh City's broader goals of promoting green and sustainable waste management, including exploring waste-to-energy projects. As the city continues to grow and expand its administrative boundaries, the pressure on its waste management infrastructure intensifies. Embracing technologies like supercritical water treatment is not just about compliance; it's about future-proofing the city and ensuring a healthier environment for its residents, setting a precedent for environmental stewardship in the region.

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With the new 'supercritical water' technology, water is used at boiling temperature and high pressure to break down organic waste into basic elements (hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen) without any emissions.