Thailand-CANADA Pact Advances Net Zero Cement Industry
The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) has launched a pilot project to test carbon capture technology in the country's cement industry. The initiative, funded by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada, aims to advance Thailand's transition to a low-carbon economy.
As part of the collaboration, a Mobile Carbon Capture Unit (MCCU) has been deployed in Thailand for the first time. Developed by the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute at the University of Regina, Canada, the unit will be tested in various cement plants operated by TCMA member companies to evaluate its performance and applicability.
The project also establishes a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, known as the 'Saraburi Sandbox', which brings together government, industry, academia, and international partners to pilot and scale carbon reduction technologies. This platform will support Thailand's long-term industrial transition by integrating technology, infrastructure, standards, and investment frameworks.
Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving Net Zero 2050, stating that 'the success of decarbonizing the cement industry depends on collaboration across all sectors to create an enabling ecosystem for investment and to accelerate the adoption of technologies at scale.'