Hai Ho_Alternō
Making industrial decarbonization feasible and affordable, bridging cost barriers so factories can adopt climate-friendly heat solutions, thereby cutting CO2 emissions and improving environmental well-being
"‘Alternō’ provides sand-based thermal battery solutions to replace or reduce fossil fuels in factories. Sand batteries store heat (up to 600°C) from renewable energy sources, enabling food & beverage, automotive, and other manufacturing sectors to slash carbon emissions. "
Asia Beautiful Fellowship program helps to alleviate the climate crisis by finding social entrepreneurs with effective solutions in Asian developing countries and supporting them in various ways to make the impact they create sustainably.
To learn more about Asia Beautiful Fellow, including its business background, selection criteria, and support offerings, please click the link below!
In Vietnam, a country experiencing rapid industrial growth, energy demand is steadily increasing. However, this growth is heavily reliant on thermal energy from fossil fuels like coal and diesel, creating a significant environmental problem.
Even though the proportion of renewable energy is gradually increasing, the industrial sector still produces high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to damage from increasingly severe weather events like heavy rain and floods.
To solve this problem, Hai established Alternō. He helps factories operate without fossil fuels by inventing sand-based battery technology that stores and supplies high-temperature thermal energy in an environmentally friendly way.
Let me introduce you to the story of Hai, who is making a more sustainable transition in Vietnam’s industry!
What is Alternō?
CEO of Alternō, Hai Ho ⓒBeautiful Store Foundation, Alternō
Having worked in sustainability, Hai has directly experienced the reality of the climate crisis, witnessing recurring storms and floods, as well as increasingly severe air pollution in his hometown of Da Nang, Vietnam.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his friend manually built and lived in an off-grid home in a suburban area that had no electricity. At that time, he discovered that lithium batteries were very vulnerable to high temperatures. This experience motivated him to focus on thermal energy usage in factories as the primary point of concern regarding ‘climate issues’.
Hai’s hometown, Vietnam, is known for its agricultural products like coffee and tea, as well as its manufacturing industry. The drying process in many industries, including the food sector, needs high-temperature thermal energy. However, many factories still rely on fossil fuels like coal and diesel, which contribute a significant portion of the country's carbon emissions. More and more production facilities make renewable energy(e.g., solar energy) equipment, but they still need a battery that can store and provide thermal energy reliably.
To address this structural problem, Hai co-founded the eco-friendly thermal energy solution start-up, Alternō, in 2023. He invented a sand battery—a thermal battery that uses renewable energy to store and release heat from sand—thereby reducing carbon emissions.
Then, what specific problem does Hai deal with?
The problems that Alternō is eager to tackle
Hanoi City covered with smog ⓒVnExpress/Ngoc Thanh, InsideVina
Fossil fuel usage (such as diesel and coal) has increased rapidly in Vietnam since the 1990s, coinciding with the country's rapid industrialization.
In 2020, 65% of Vietnam’s fossil fuel emissions originated from the energy sector, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels(World Bank, 2022).
As a result, carbon dioxide emissions per person have increased more than 10 times over the last three decades(EDGAR, 2022).
A Vietnamese village attacked by typhoon ⓒIMF
This trend is intensifying extreme climate phenomena, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and sea level rise.
Vulnerable local communities, which rely heavily on agriculture and the fishing industry, are directly affected.
Crops such as coffee, rice, and tea, for which the drying process after harvest is essential, are primarily influenced by weather changes, making the traditional sunlight drying process difficult due to the climate crisis.
Therefore, the harvest losses emerge, and farmers' stable income is also at risk.
The problems also occur in the industrial structure.
Thermal energy in factories(e.g., high-temperature steam) accounts for more than half of the total energy consumption. Still, the practical technology and infrastructure needed to convert to renewable energy sources are underdeveloped.
Many factories continue to worsen air pollution and carbon emissions by using inexpensive coal and diesel.
Hai would like to change this ‘unswitchable reality’.
He co-founded Alternō to help factories utilize an eco-friendly and financially burden-free thermal energy solution, freeing them from depending on fossil fuels.
The activities Alternō does
Alternō focuses on creating practical alternatives that factories can implement, rather than on complex technology.
Alternō primarily provides a Sand Battery solution so that factories that consume large amounts of thermal energy—such as those in the F&B, motor, and manufacturing sectors—can operate without fossil fuels.
① R&D in ‘Sand Battery’ for thermal energy storage
Alternō’s Sand Battery is a system that heats sand to 600°C, stores the heat, and then utilizes it in industrial processes such as food processing, drying, and heating.
Specifically, electricity produced from eco-friendly sources like solar or wind power is stored in the sand battery as thermal energy. After that, it acts as an intermediary, supplying heat to dryers, heaters, boilers, and other equipment. Since it can store more thermal energy than existing batteries, such as lithium, and has a life of up to 25 years, it offers greater stability and efficiency. To increase battery utilization, it is currently conducting pilot projects along with research and development.
② Providing customized energy service
Alternō not only sells sand batteries but also provides energy services with ‘HaaS(Heat as a Service)’. It offers customized energy services, such as necessary equipment like solar panels, and an integrated system that fits with the customer’s existing facility. Alternō also keeps monitoring for a stable energy supply based on IoT technology. Alternō lowers the cost barrier with a monthly subscription service, enabling more businesses to participate in the energy transition.
Hai, speaking at ‘Mindset for Green Career Path’ on the topic of energy optimization and production process carbon emissions reduction ⓒAlternō
People working with Hai
① Employee, Mia Nguyen
ⓒBeautifulStore
Alternō installs Sand Battery in areas with unstable electricity supply and contributes to drying herbs and fruits. Through this, local residents can save their products and generate a steady income. Hai and I have been together since we met through our connection from the previous workplace, and I think one of his strengths is his problem-solving ability. He analyzes problems rationally, while also maintaining a warm perspective to understand people emotionally. In particular, Hai’s patience and flexible attitude have a significant impact on our team, allowing us to remain undisturbed and move forward.
② Client, Mr.Tue
The primary reason we decided to adopt the Alternō system is our confidence that it poses no risk, a belief based on several previous test results from the technology team. It actually achieves energy cost reduction, and the drying quality is also very remarkable. Furthermore, we can use it without fear as it doesn’t have any combustible or explosive materials.
③ Vietnam intermediate support organization officer, Thao Nguyen
Vietnam is at the beginning of the green energy and climate innovation ecosystem, which is still in its early stages of development. Currently, there is no additional legal or political support for green energy or climate startups, but only for general ones. Therefore, there are few founders yet in this field, and one of them is Alternō. Alternō offers an original solution and serves as a great model for a new generation of founders. Hai is a leader who takes good care of his team members and supports their growth and development. His attitude to always prioritize his team members inspires other founders as well.
Future Plan of Alternō
Hai says:
“Energy transition doesn’t consist only of technology, but 20% of technology and the remaining 80% of people, trust, persuasion, and communication.”
Beyond just technology, an energy transition solution based on trust and cooperation is what will ultimately reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector—and that’s precisely the path Alternō is taking.
ⓒAlternō
✅ Establishing a client-customized integrated energy solution
Alternō’s clients often ask questions such as, 'Is it possible to install a solar panel along with the battery?' or 'Can you also help with energy efficiency?'
Therefore, Alternō provides factory-unit customized energy solutions as well as its own technology by collaborating with reliable partners.
Energy storage technology is crucial for the expansion of renewable energy.
Sand Battery can expand the utilization scale of renewable energy, as it effectively saves energy even at night. Moreover, it has an approximately 25-year lifespan, which can be a more efficient option than a lithium battery.
Alternō aims to be a credible partner for clients to continue sustainable energy conversion stably, providing more than just products.
✅100 million tons of reduction by 2030, carbon neutral support by 2050
By establishing new packaging facilities in rural areas, Java Fresh aims to create up to 300 new jobs, particularly for marginalized rural women. It also aims to provide education to acquire the necessary skills for quality management and packaging.
✅ Expanding cooperative regions in Indonesia
Alternō is working toward a clear goal: a 100 million ton reduction by 2030.
Beyond that, it aspires to be an integrated energy partner that supports clients' achievement of Net-Zero.
To reach this goal, Alternō’s team members are conscious of the countdown clock on the wall at the factory every day.
By developing trust as well as technology, Alternō aims to create solid yet gradual and permanent changes—just like sand—by 2030 and 2050.
How did you like the story of Hai, the last participant of the 4th Asian Beautiful Fellowship?
Hai is determined to continue listening to various voices in the field and finding solutions to provide more people with stable and eco-friendly energy.
Alternō maintains new trials as a trustworthy energy partner, beyond mere battery service.
BeautifulStore walks alongside social entrepreneurs in Asia, such as Hai, who are dedicated to addressing environmental issues. We look forward to seeing the incredible work they will accomplish during their two-year journey with BeautifulStore! 😊
Support Hai and Alternō for their efficient energy solution with the ‘Sand Battery’ technology!
BeautifulStore will continue to collaborate with and support local residents and partners for ‘beautiful change’ in the world, and we ask for your support for self-reliance and sustainable development in the region. Thank you very much.
Asia Beautiful Fellowship program helps to alleviate the climate crisis by finding social entrepreneurs
with effective solutions in Asian developing countries and supporting them in various ways
to make the impact they create sustainably.
To learn more about Asia Beautiful Fellow, including its business background, selection criteria,
and support offerings, please click the link below!
In Vietnam, a country experiencing rapid industrial growth, energy demand is steadily increasing.
However, this growth is heavily reliant on thermal energy from fossil fuels like coal and diesel, creating a significant environmental problem.
Even though the proportion of renewable energy is gradually increasing, the industrial sector still produces high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to damage from increasingly severe weather events like heavy rain and floods.
To solve this problem, Hai established Alternō.
He helps factories operate without fossil fuels by inventing sand-based battery technology that stores and supplies high-temperature thermal energy in an environmentally friendly way.
Let me introduce you to the story of Hai, who is making a more sustainable transition in Vietnam’s industry!
Having worked in sustainability, Hai has directly experienced the reality of the climate crisis, witnessing recurring storms and floods, as well as increasingly severe air pollution in his hometown of Da Nang, Vietnam.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his friend manually built and lived in an off-grid home in a suburban area that had no electricity. At that time, he discovered that lithium batteries were very vulnerable to high temperatures. This experience motivated him to focus on thermal energy usage in factories as the primary point of concern regarding ‘climate issues’.
Hai’s hometown, Vietnam, is known for its agricultural products like coffee and tea, as well as its manufacturing industry. The drying process in many industries, including the food sector, needs high-temperature thermal energy. However, many factories still rely on fossil fuels like coal and diesel, which contribute a significant portion of the country's carbon emissions. More and more production facilities make renewable energy(e.g., solar energy) equipment, but they still need a battery that can store and provide thermal energy reliably.
To address this structural problem, Hai co-founded the eco-friendly thermal energy solution start-up, Alternō, in 2023. He invented a sand battery—a thermal battery that uses renewable energy to store and release heat from sand—thereby reducing carbon emissions.
Then, what specific problem does Hai deal with?
Fossil fuel usage (such as diesel and coal) has increased rapidly in Vietnam since the 1990s, coinciding with the country's rapid industrialization.
In 2020, 65% of Vietnam’s fossil fuel emissions originated from the energy sector, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels(World Bank, 2022).
As a result, carbon dioxide emissions per person have increased more than 10 times over the last three decades(EDGAR, 2022).
This trend is intensifying extreme climate phenomena, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and sea level rise. Vulnerable local communities, which rely heavily on agriculture and the fishing industry, are directly affected.
Crops such as coffee, rice, and tea, for which the drying process after harvest is essential, are primarily influenced by weather changes, making the traditional sunlight drying process difficult due to the climate crisis. Therefore, the harvest losses emerge, and farmers' stable income is also at risk.
The problems also occur in the industrial structure.
Thermal energy in factories(e.g., high-temperature steam) accounts for more than half of the total energy consumption. Still, the practical technology and infrastructure needed to convert to renewable energy sources are underdeveloped.
Many factories continue to worsen air pollution and carbon emissions by using inexpensive coal and diesel.
Hai would like to change this ‘unswitchable reality’.
He co-founded Alternō to help factories utilize an eco-friendly and financially burden-free thermal energy solution, freeing them from depending on fossil fuels.
Alternō’s Sand Battery is a system that heats sand to 600°C, stores the heat, and then utilizes it in industrial processes such as food processing, drying, and heating.
Specifically, electricity produced from eco-friendly sources like solar or wind power is stored in the sand battery as thermal energy. After that, it acts as an intermediary, supplying heat to dryers, heaters, boilers, and other equipment. Since it can store more thermal energy than existing batteries, such as lithium, and has a life of up to 25 years, it offers greater stability and efficiency. To increase battery utilization, it is currently conducting pilot projects along with research and development.
Alternō not only sells sand batteries but also provides energy services with ‘HaaS(Heat as a Service)’. It offers customized energy services, such as necessary equipment like solar panels, and an integrated system that fits with the customer’s existing facility. Alternō also keeps monitoring for a stable energy supply based on IoT technology. Alternō lowers the cost barrier with a monthly subscription service, enabling more businesses to participate in the energy transition.
Alternō installs Sand Battery in areas with unstable electricity supply and contributes to drying herbs and fruits. Through this, local residents can save their products and generate a steady income. Hai and I have been together since we met through our connection from the previous workplace, and I think one of his strengths is his problem-solving ability. He analyzes problems rationally, while also maintaining a warm perspective to understand people emotionally. In particular, Hai’s patience and flexible attitude have a significant impact on our team, allowing us to remain undisturbed and move forward.
The primary reason we decided to adopt the Alternō system is our confidence that it poses no risk, a belief based on several previous test results from the technology team. It actually achieves energy cost reduction, and the drying quality is also very remarkable. Furthermore, we can use it without fear as it doesn’t have any combustible or explosive materials.
Vietnam is at the beginning of the green energy and climate innovation ecosystem, which is still in its early stages of development. Currently, there is no additional legal or political support for green energy or climate startups, but only for general ones. Therefore, there are few founders yet in this field, and one of them is Alternō. Alternō offers an original solution and serves as a great model for a new generation of founders. Hai is a leader who takes good care of his team members and supports their growth and development. His attitude to always prioritize his team members inspires other founders as well.
Hai says:
“Energy transition doesn’t consist only of technology,
but 20% of technology and the remaining 80% of people, trust, persuasion, and communication.”
Beyond just technology, an energy transition solution based on trust and cooperation is what will ultimately reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector—and that’s precisely the path Alternō is taking.
✅ Establishing a client-customized integrated energy solution
Alternō’s clients often ask questions such as, 'Is it possible to install a solar panel along with the battery?' or 'Can you also help with energy efficiency?' Therefore, Alternō provides factory-unit customized energy solutions as well as its own technology by collaborating with reliable partners.
Energy storage technology is crucial for the expansion of renewable energy. Sand Battery can expand the utilization scale of renewable energy, as it effectively saves energy even at night. Moreover, it has an approximately 25-year lifespan, which can be a more efficient option than a lithium battery.
Alternō aims to be a credible partner for clients to continue sustainable energy conversion stably, providing more than just products.
✅ 100 million tons of reduction by 2030, carbon neutral support by 2050
Alternō is working toward a clear goal: a 100 million ton reduction by 2030. Beyond that, it aspires to be an integrated energy partner that supports clients' achievement of Net-Zero. To reach this goal, Alternō’s team members are conscious of the countdown clock on the wall at the factory every day.
By developing trust as well as technology, Alternō aims to create solid yet gradual and permanent changes—just like sand—by 2030 and 2050.
How did you like the story of Hai, the last participant of the 4th Asian Beautiful Fellowship?
Hai is determined to continue listening to various voices in the field and finding solutions to provide more people with stable and eco-friendly energy.
Alternō maintains new trials as a trustworthy energy partner, beyond mere battery service.
BeautifulStore walks alongside social entrepreneurs in Asia, such as Hai, who are dedicated to addressing environmental issues. We look forward to seeing the incredible work they will accomplish during their two-year journey with BeautifulStore! 😊
Support Hai and Alternō for their efficient energy solution with the ‘Sand Battery’ technology!
BeautifulStore will continue to collaborate with and support local residents and partners
for ‘beautiful change’ in the world, and we ask for your support for
self-reliance and sustainable development in the region.
Thank you very much.
Address Tel FAX Registration NO. | 34, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Rep of KOREA (04630) +82-02-730-0525, +82-02-725-2003 world@bstore.org |
Copyright (C)Beautiful Store. All rights reserved.
Copyright (C)Beautiful Store. All rights reserved.
