PVChem and Messer formed a joint venture to build an energy-efficient, low-carbon industrial gas plant supporting Vietnam’s green, circular, and clean-energy goals.
Petrovietnam Chemical and Services Corporation (PVChem), a subsidiary of the Vietnam National Industry and Energy Group (Petrovietnam), has officially entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with the German industrial gas specialist Messer SE & Co. KGaA to establish a new company named Cái Mép Industrial Gases Co. Ltd. The signing ceremony marks a significant step toward developing a modern industrial gas production facility at the Cai Mep Industrial Park, located in Cái Mép Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Under this joint venture, the partners will invest in a large-scale industrial gas plant designed to produce 200,000 tons of gas per year, backed by a total investment of approximately USD 35 million. Construction of this facility is projected to commence at the end of 2026, with the plant expected to become commercially operational by late 2028.
A key highlight of the Cái Mép industrial gas plant is its alignment with green, sustainable, and circular economic models. The facility will capitalize on cold energy sourced from the LNG storage system operated by PVGas. This cold energy will be used to support deep refrigeration essential for the gas separation process. By doing so, the plant will act as an important component in Petrovietnam’s broader LNG–industrial gas–clean energy value chain, helping to boost energy efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and make optimal use of Vietnam’s existing gas infrastructure.
The project will utilize advanced European Cryogenic Air Separation (CAS) technology. This cutting-edge system, when combined with cold energy recovered during the LNG regasification process, significantly reduces electricity needs as well as cooling water consumption. This reduction not only decreases operational costs but also minimizes indirect emissions, thereby elevating the overall environmental performance of the facility. Through this technological integration, the project sets a benchmark for innovation in Vietnam’s energy transition efforts.
Beyond technological advancements, the venture also represents a pioneering initiative for both PVChem and Messer. For Petrovietnam and PVChem, the project underscores their commitment to supporting Vietnam’s national energy development strategy, particularly in advancing clean energy and circular economy principles. For Messer, this marks its first global deployment of a cold-energy-recovery solution for air separation units, demonstrating the company’s strong dedication to sustainable production methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve vital resources like electricity and water.
Le Manh Hung, Chairman of Petrovietnam, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that the joint venture is a concrete step toward realizing Petrovietnam’s green energy and circular economy ambitions while supporting Vietnam’s broader carbon-neutrality objectives. Bernd Eulitz, CEO of Messer SE & Co. KGaA, expressed pride in partnering with PVChem and emphasized that this innovative project fully adheres to stringent European environmental standards while optimizing energy efficiency. Stefan Messer, Chairman of Messer’s Supervisory Board, added that the initiative presents a major opportunity for Vietnam’s industries to adopt low-carbon industrial gases that are essential across numerous economic and medical sectors. Furthermore, Truong Dai Nghia, Chairman of PVChem, affirmed that the partnership strengthens PVChem’s expansion into green manufacturing and reinforces sustainable value creation within the Petrovietnam ecosystem.
