Bangkok: TCMA is enhancing its collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada, and the University of Regina, along with its global network of partners, to advance the practical application of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology in Thailand. This initiative aims to integrate advanced knowledge, technology, and green innovations from abroad into the manufacturing sector, fostering competitiveness and driving a sustainable low-carbon economy.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Chana Phoomi, Honorary President of TCMA, highlighted the ongoing progress of this collaboration following a visit from a high-level delegation from Saskatchewan, Canada. The delegation was led by H.E. Ken Sheweldayoff, Minister of Higher Education, and Professor Jeff Kachen, President and Vice Chairman of the University of Regina. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress since signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in September 2025, marking a significant milestone in strategic cooperation aimed at enhancing technology transfer for practical implementation. Dr. Phoomi noted that over 45% of greenhouse gas emission reductions in the cement industry cannot be achieved through conventional measures alone, making CCUS technology a crucial solution.
The collaboration's initial phase will focus on developing and testing Carbon Capture technology to enhance technical readiness in the industry. This will be followed by progressing to Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) to transform captured carbon into economic value, such as developing new raw materials or products. In some cases, it can evolve into Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) for secure long-term storage, addressing technological, infrastructural, and regulatory aspects.
A significant milestone in this collaboration is the pilot installation of Mobile Carbon Capture Units (CCUS) in TCMA member cement plants within the "Saraburi Sandbox" area by mid-2026. This project involves collaboration between Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), UNIDO, GCCA, TCMA, the province of Saskatchewan, and the University of Regina through the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI), which possesses extensive expertise in CCUS technology.
Minister Ken Sheweldayoff stated that this collaboration exemplifies the powerful partnership between Thailand and Canada, particularly in Saskatchewan, where the roles of government, academia, and industry are integrated to drive climate change innovation. He expressed satisfaction with the installation of the mobile carbon capture unit in Thailand, marking a crucial step from knowledge exchange to practical implementation and laying the groundwork for future cooperation in other areas.
Professor Jeff Kachen remarked that the University of Regina is proud to be part of this innovative collaboration, aimed at transferring accumulated knowledge and experience in CCUS through the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI), which combines academic excellence with industrial applications. The collaboration with TCMA encompasses research, pilot projects, personnel development, knowledge exchange, and capacity building to support the sustainable transition of Thai industry towards a low-carbon future.
Saraburi Province, as the hub of cement production in the country, has been developed as a model area, "Saraburi Sandbox," to transition towards a low-carbon city through an area-based implementation approach that integrates all relevant sectors. This marks the beginning of a structural transformation where the industrial sector will become an integral part of the climate change solution.
This collaboration underscores TCMA's role as a central component of the cement industry, serving as a "bridge" to connect knowledge, advanced technologies, and climate change innovations from Canada to practical application in Thailand. This is achieved through partnerships involving government, academia, and industry, supported by a global network including ECCC, GCCA, UNIDO, the province of Saskatchewan, and the University of Regina. These partnerships are instrumental in establishing a systemic foundation for the Thai industry to confidently achieve the Net Zero 2050 goal, while reinforcing the Thai cement industry's role as a positive force contributing to a sustainable low-carbon future.