The initiative designates the "Saraburi Sandbox" as a low-carbon technology testbed, bringing together industry, government, academia, and global partners to support the transition to a low-carbon economy, while enhancing the long-term competitiveness of Thailand's industrial sector.
From Thailand–Canada Collaboration to Industrial-Scale Deployment
TCMA announced progress in its strategic Thailand–Canada partnership under the project "Decarbonization of the Cement and Concrete Sectors in Thailand." As part of the initiative, a Mobile Carbon Capture Unit (MCCU) has been deployed in Thailand for the first time to test the technology's performance in real industrial conditions within the cement sector.
The deployment of the MCCU marks a significant step in strengthening technological readiness for carbon capture—one of the key solutions for high-emission industries such as cement—while supporting the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.
Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA and President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM), stated that the project reflects Thailand's strong commitment to driving industry toward Net Zero through international collaboration. TCMA serves as a central platform linking industry, government, academia, and global organizations to develop practical carbon reduction solutions.
"The transition to Net Zero for hard-to-abate sectors such as cement cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires policy support from the government, as well as international collaboration in technology, finance, and knowledge transfer to accelerate real-world implementation," Dr. Chana said.
Connecting Technology and Investment Through Global Collaboration
The project is funded by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) serving as the implementing agency. The initiative aims to develop a technology and innovation ecosystem for decarbonizing Thailand's cement and concrete industries.
Ms. Richelle Bourgouin, Deputy Minister of Trade and Export Development, Saskatchewan, Canada, noted that the collaboration highlights the power of integrating knowledge, technology, and innovation to support the transition toward a low-carbon economy.
"This partnership also opens opportunities to connect expertise in clean technology, research, and innovation between the two countries, enabling the development of practical solutions and fostering future trade and investment cooperation in Thailand and across ASEAN," Ms. Richelle said.
A key outcome of the project is the deployment of the MCCU, developed by the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI) at the University of Regina, Canada. The unit will be tested in Thailand to evaluate its performance and applicability within the Thai cement industry.
"Saraburi Sandbox": A PPP Model for Accelerating Low-Carbon Industry
Under the project, TCMA is collaborating with Chulalongkorn University to study and transfer knowledge on carbon capture technology while building human capacity. The MCCU will be rotated across cement plants operated by TCMA member companies in Saraburi province to test performance, collect technical data, and assess future investment pathways.
The "Saraburi Sandbox" serves as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) platform, bringing together government, industry, academia, and international partners to pilot and scale carbon reduction technologies, while establishing investment models for a low-carbon economy.
The area is being developed as a prototype low-carbon city, integrating technology, infrastructure, standards, and investment frameworks to support Thailand's long-term industrial transition.
Accelerating Readiness for a Low-Carbon Future
Dr. Chana emphasized that deploying the MCCU in Thailand represents an important step in enhancing technological and knowledge readiness, particularly in carbon capture technologies that are essential for industries facing significant decarbonization challenges.
Preparation must begin today, as the transition to Net Zero requires time for technological development, workforce readiness, and infrastructure buildout, alongside appropriate support mechanisms. This is especially important as global carbon measures—such as carbon pricing and emissions trading systems (ETS)—become increasingly stringent.
"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," Dr. Chana said.
TCMA's efforts not only reflect the Thai cement industry's commitment to translating decarbonization plans into action, but also reinforce the importance of Thailand–Canada collaboration in advancing clean technologies and innovation in the industrial sector. This includes knowledge transfer, technology development, and expanding future investment partnerships.
This collaboration represents a key mechanism in laying the foundation for Thailand's cement industry to remain competitive in a low-carbon economy, while accelerating progress toward Net Zero 2050 and strengthening Thailand's role as a regional model for low-carbon industrial development in ASEAN.
A long Australian road trip in a caravan can be an exciting adventure. However, choosing the right caravan often feels overwhelming when you start comparing layouts, fe…
Owning several shares doesn’t always mean your portfolio is truly diversified. If those companies respond to the same economic conditions, your returns may still depend…
There was a time when jewellery was the first thing to come off before a workout, beach swim or shower. Today, that's changing.
As our lifestyles become busier and mor…
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful decisions a couple will make. Today, more people are looking for beautiful, ethical, and affordable alternatives…
Drive through any established or newly developing suburb in Australia right now and you'll notice a growing number of homes with striking black or charcoal-toned exteri…
Mining is one of the most physically demanding industries in Australia, and it's also one of the most heavily regulated when it comes to worker safety. A single inciden…
Choosing a caravan is a decision that can shape the way you travel for years to come. The number of options available from caravan dealers makes choosing the right layo…
Disagreements between landlords and tenants can develop gradually, sometimes starting with a single unresolved question about money or an obligation described ambiguously…
In clinical settings, surgical supply partners aren’t just vendors. They sit quietly behind the scenes of operating lists, specialist consultations, treatment rooms and recovery workflows. When they...
The early developmental years of a child's life represent a critical window for neurological growth, behavioural shaping, and language acquisition. During this formative phase, the ability to interpre...
Finding the right family dentist in Sydney is one of the most important health decisions you can make for your household. With hundreds of practices spread across the city — from Beecroft to Bondi, Pa...
Hashtag.net.au
