Published on 2 July 2024 , 7:36 pm

“Saraburi Sandbox”, the first low-carbon model city in Thailand

Severe climate change causing unusual natural disaster phenomena and having widespread impacts on daily life At present, various countries All over the world, including Thailand, are joining together to solve this crisis. To set a goal to limit greenhouse gas emissions to zero or Net Zero by 2050 as the first step for Thailand. Starting from the project “Saraburi Sandbox”, the first low-carbon model city in the country

According to Dr. Kitipong Promwong, Director of the Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NHCO), said that this project comes after Thailand announced its intention to step up efforts to solve climate problems in a sustainable manner. fully To achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 and reach the Net Zero goal in 2065, NSTDA. Therefore, the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Authority (NHW) has been pushed to support this goal. Focusing on spatial work Use innovation as a driver and linking international mechanisms Collaborating with the cement industry in Saraburi Province Home to the country’s largest cement industry

Dr. Kitipong further said that Saraburi Province is suitable to be a model because it has elements including industrial groups, communities, farmers, as well as the participation of all sectors. which is the strength of leadership and working across sectors in an integrated manner It will be an important factor that will drive the goal of becoming a low-carbon city. along with the use of innovation and new technology including international support for a concrete and sustainable transition

cement industry Transitioning to Net Zero 2050

Sanit Kasetsuwan, advisor to the Thai Cement Industry Association, stated that the main cause of global warming is from the release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Therefore, the cement industry is one of the sources of such gases. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce emissions and help bring carbon dioxide back into nature. In addition to using renewable energy We must also refrain from using fossil fuels such as coal and limestone as much as possible.

Dr. Chana Phumi, President of the Thai Cement Industry Association Said to support that Association consisting of the country’s major cement producers will play an important role in supporting the drive of the Saraburi Sandbox model and pushing the industry to be more environmentally friendly. By aiming for the goal of Net Zero GHG Emission by 2050 according to the road map for driving Thailand’s cement and concrete industry. It will use innovation, technology and mechanisms from international levels. Come join in promoting and supporting members of the association who are important cement producers to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The main branches that will be operated include:

  1. Research and development of alternative materials for clinker to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This requires that machines, standards, and applications be adjusted to be in line with the new products.
  2. Develop concrete products that reduce carbon emissions in the production and construction process.
  3. Develop technology to increase efficiency, reduce time, labor, and waste in construction.
  4. Using fuel from biomass and garbage (RDF) in place of coal will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 9-12 million tons per year and reduce the PM 2.5 dust problem.
  5. Research and development of Carbon Capture and Utilization/Storage technology To store or utilize the remaining carbon dioxide gas.

This is in order for the cement industry which is a heavy industry of the country. Able to adapt to sustainability on the path to zero emissions by 2050.

“Napier grass” an alternative energy crop in Saraburi Sandbox

In addition to developing the main industries of Saraburi There is also work to support farmers and communities in the area. in cooperation with the Saraburi Provincial Industrial Council and government agencies Promote the planting of Napier grass to create an energy crop ecosystem to be used as a fuel to replace coal.

Charoenchai Chaliewkriangkrai Chairman of the Saraburi Provincial Industrial Council said that the energy transition towards the Net Zero goal is one of Saraburi Sandbox’s important measures. Supporting farmers growing Napier grass therefore prepares to elevate Saraburi to become a livable, low-carbon city.

Saman Kaenputtha, president of the Napier grass company, said that Napier grass is an energy crop with a harvesting period of 7-8 years. It can absorb carbon and be used to make animal feed. This allows farmers to have multiple sources of income from growing. It is considered an alternative economic crop besides rice farming and corn cultivation.

From waste to clean energy as well “Tan Diao Model”

Local waste management is another important part of Saraburi Sandbox. This is because burning waste creates carbon dioxide and pollution. The Tan Diao Subdistrict Administrative Organization has therefore cooperated with the Institute of Scientific and Technological Research of Thailand. under the project “Tan Diao Model” to solve community waste problems by turning waste into clean energy.

Dr. Rewadee Anuwattana, research expert He said the project operates in two dimensions: knowledge training and research. To reduce the amount of waste generated using the 3Rs principle and to use waste to generate income for the community. Along with using technology and innovation in automatic waste sorting. Take waste and process it into recycled plastic. soil improver

The Saraburi Sandbox Project aims to develop Saraburi Province into the country’s first low-carbon model city. By using science, research and innovation, pushing the cement industry to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050, as well as promoting agriculture and communities to earn income from growing energy crops and innovation in waste management towards clean energy.

This approach will make Saraburi become a pilot area for solving global warming problems in the country. With cooperation from every sector concretely and sustainably In line with the world’s sustainable development goals

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