REGINA — A new international collaboration between the University of Regina and the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) is helping to advance Thailand’s energy transition to lower-carbon emissions using U of R-designed technology.
Cement production is responsible for roughly seven per cent of global CO₂ emissions, making it one of the largest industrial sources of CO₂ worldwide—and one of the most challenging industrial sectors to decarbonize.
According to a release from the University of Regina, under a decarbonization of cement and concrete initiative in Thailand, and funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) commissioned researchers at the University’s Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI) to design and build a carbon capture pilot unit.
The unit is being prepared for shipment to Thailand in early April, where it will be used in collaboration with TCMA to demonstrate carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology in real-world conditions, and to help support emissions reduction efforts in Thailand’s cement sector, which is working toward net zero emissions by 2050.
This project marks a key milestone in a growing partnership focused on low-carbon innovation, states the release.
Dr. Hussameldin Ibrahim, director of CETRI, says his centre was selected by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization to carry out this project in recognition of CETRI’s long-standing expertise in developing advanced carbon capture technologies. “This project will support the decarbonization of Thailand’s cement sector and demonstrates how research at the University of Regina is delivering real-world climate solutions with global impact,” says Ibrahim.
A memorandum of understanding signed last fall between the Government of Saskatchewan and the TCMA, led by Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding, commits both parties to strengthening technical expertise, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, with a particular focus on the energy sector and low-carbon technologies.
“This project reflects the strength of our international collaborations in addressing the global challenge of energy transitions,” says Dr. Jeff Keshen, University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor. “It also highlights the University of Regina’s expertise in developing practical, exportable, clean energy solutions that benefit not only Saskatchewan, but the world.”
Keshen recently met with TCMA representatives in Thailand where the project was highlighted as an example of successful international research and innovation collaboration.
