TCMA Pushes for Accelerated Green Energy Transition

The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) is urging the government to expedite the process of unlocking laws and regulations, seeking green funding to accelerate the industrial sector’s shift towards green energy. TCMA is emphasising the 3C concept (Collaborative Mindset – Collaborative Action – Collaborative Value) and continuing the “SARABURI SANDBOX LOW CARBON CITY” initiative, with global collaboration to enhance the long-term competitiveness of Thai industry.
Speaking at the Energy Symposium 2024 of the Federation of Thai Industries, Dr Chana Poomee, Chairman of TCMA, stated that the cement industry in Thailand—comprising seven leading manufacturers—is steadily reducing its carbon footprint under the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, certified by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). While the energy transition within the sector is already underway, with significant progress in the “SARABURI SANDBOX LOW CARBON CITY” initiative, further efforts are needed to overcome challenges that limit the plan’s full potential.
Advancing Green Energy
Dr Chana Poomee highlighted that the “SARABURI SANDBOX” integrates the Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP) to drive climate action in Saraburi Province, leveraging government mechanisms and private sector initiatives to benefit the public. A notable pilot project, supported by the Provincial Electricity Authority and the Thai Energy Service Company (ESCO) model, involves the installation of solar panels on the roof of Saraburi Provincial Hall’s parking facility (Solar Carport) to test a Grid Modernisation system—an advanced electricity transmission and distribution system designed to support renewable energy and low-carbon electricity. TCMA is also promoting clean energy in the cement industry through the use of alternative fuels, such as biomass, solar farms, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Additionally, the use of hydraulic cement, a low-carbon cement, is being encouraged for construction projects nationwide, with plans to phase out high-carbon cement production by 2025.
Unlocking Laws and Regulatory Restrictions
A study conducted by Princeton University, a leading Ivy League institution, on the potential of land for green energy production in Saraburi highlights the province’s energy demand at approximately 30,000 megawatts, while its potential to produce energy is as high as 100,000 megawatts.
“Currently, TCMA is focusing on the energy transition. TCMA members, representing Thailand’s cement manufacturers, are using renewable energy from biomass, RDF, and Napier grass for around 30% of their total energy consumption and aim to increase this, but government support is needed to unlock regulatory restrictions. Enabling direct electricity trading between producers and consumers would accelerate the green energy transition. With this model, Saraburi Province could manage its waste internally, using it to produce renewable energy, thereby lowering costs,” said Dr Chana Poomee.
This aligns with a statement from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Mr Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who emphasised that the Ministry of Energy is in the process of implementing the plan under the concept of “Remove, Reduce, Release, Regenerate”. This strategy involves modernising regulations, with the Ministry of Industry, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Provincial Electricity Authority, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and other key agencies collaborating to adapt laws that currently hinder progress. By doing so, they will empower the industrial sector to produce its own clean energy, reducing costs and enhancing energy security.
Pushing for Collective Action and Global Connectivity
Since the announcement of the area-based initiative on 15 August 2023, the “SARABURI SANDBOX” has made significant progress through its PPP model. This progress is led by the Saraburi Provincial Governor, with coordination by the Federation of Thai Industries-Saraburi Province at the local level, and TCMA providing support by linking national and global stages.
“SARABURI SANDBOX is an innovative ecosystem, offering a model of collaborative action that many agencies have studied and praised. The next phase will focus on fostering collaborative action to advance innovative projects, which could serve as pilot projects or drive long-term development through a Collaborative Working Process, encompassing mindset, action, and value,” said Dr Chana Poomee.
TCMA is also preparing to expand the “SARABURI SANDBOX” through international cooperation, following global recognition of its approach. The Thai cement industry has participated in major forums, such as the GCCA CEO Gathering and Leaders Conference 2024 in Thailand, and Climate Week New York City 2024. Recently, the “SARABURI SANDBOX” was accepted into the Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative of the World Economic Forum, making it Thailand’s first industrial cluster, the third in ASEAN, and the 21st in the world to join this global effort. Collaboration with the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and continuous progress updates at the 27th COP and beyond have further strengthened TCMA’s collaborative efforts.
“TCMA values partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders. The Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap provides clear guidance in terms of policy, technology, and funding, helping to accelerate the transition to green energy while enhancing the competitiveness of the industry,” concluded Dr Chana Poomee.