Bangkok, Thailand, 23 March 2026 – Thailand, in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada, has concluded the Decarbonization of the Cement and Concrete Sectors project, marking an important step toward reducing emissions in one of the country’s most carbon-intensive industries.
The project closes with a milestone event bringing together government and industry stakeholders to review results, share lessons learned, and identify next steps to sustain momentum in the sector’s low-carbon transition.
Concrete remains the backbone of modern construction and is the second most consumed material globally after water. In Thailand, the cement sector accounts for approximately 39 per cent of industrial greenhouse gas emissions, making it central to achieving the country’s net-zero target by 2050.
“A defining feature of this project that we are so proud of has been the depth of Canada–Thailand collaboration, not only at the policy level, but also in research, technology deployment and capacity building,” said Ping Kitnikone, Ambassador of Canada to Thailand. She added that “at a time of increasing global uncertainty, Canada applauds Thailand’s commitment under the Paris Agreement and its efforts to address the common threat of climate change. As we celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, I look forward to deepening our cooperation on tackling climate change.”
Over its implementation period, the project delivers concrete policy and technical foundations to support decarbonization across the sector.
Four policy recommendations and associated guidance are developed to support long-term emissions reduction, including measures to advance green public procurement and strengthen regulatory frameworks aligned with Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contribution and the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association decarbonization roadmap. These efforts contribute to shaping an enabling policy environment to stimulate demand for low-carbon construction materials.
At the technical level, eight technology demonstrations are carried out across four cement plants, testing practical solutions for reducing emissions in cement production. These include co-processing approaches that confirm the technical and economic viability of using municipal solid waste and sludge as alternative fuels and raw materials. The project also supports the design of a mobile carbon capture unit, a modular and transportable solution that can be deployed across cement plants to accelerate the adoption of carbon capture technologies.
Once fully scaled, the piloted technologies, including co-processing, carbon capture and Limestone Calcined Clay Cement, could reduce Thailand’s CO₂ emissions by up to 16 million tonnes per year.
“Today’s event is not only a platform to showcase the success of the project, but also an important step forward in translating the knowledge and insights gained into concrete actions that will contribute to Thailand’s sustainable development,” said Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Araya Salaipetch, Deputy Director General of the Department of Industrial Works, stated during her keynote address that “the industrial sector must upgrade measures and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This project has been beneficial in supporting the cement and concrete industry in applying advanced technologies and innovations.”
The initiative is implemented in close coordination with national stakeholders, including the Department of Industrial Works, the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Comptroller General’s Department, the Pollution Control Department, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Contractors Association under H.M. The King's Patronage.
Building on these results, participants highlight the importance of scaling tested solutions and advancing policy measures to ensure continued emissions reductions in the sector. Discussions also explore opportunities under UNIDO’s Accelerate-to-Demonstrate Facility, which can support further deployment of innovative technologies validated through the project.
Chana Poomee, Honorary Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association and President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers, emphasized that “this project marks a milestone in Thailand’s cement and concrete decarbonization, an urgent challenge and a strategic opportunity to boost long-term competitiveness. With clear pathways and proven technologies, the priority now is accelerating implementation through strong collaboration, innovation, SME support and regional cooperation to drive a scalable low-carbon transformation.”
“As this phase concludes, the lessons learned, collaborations and achievements will continue to guide Thailand’s pathway toward sustained emissions reductions. Beyond this project, they lay the foundation for scalable solutions, stronger regional cooperation and a clear business case for low-carbon growth,” said Rasha Abdrabu, Industrial Development Officer at UNIDO.
For more information, please contact:
Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO