Asia Cement Leading the Nation in Carbon Reduction with Nine Consecutive Awards, Maintaining Top Honors Among Factories Nationwide

The cement industry faces inherent challenges in carbon reduction due to process constraints. However, achieving carbon reduction every year and receiving national recognition for a total of nine years is an accomplishment that truly marks it as 'Taiwan's first!' On November 21st, the Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs awarded Asia Cement's Hualien Plant as the 'Outstanding Business in Voluntary Reduction of Industrial Greenhouse Gas' for the ninth time. Asia cement (Hualien Plant) is proudly maintaining the record for the highest number of awards among factories nationwide.

 Chief Deputy Plant Manager Chen Chih-hsien, representing Asia Cement Hualien Plant to attend the award ceremony, explains that the primary sources of carbon emissions in cement production include the calcination of limestone (accounting for approximately 60%), coal combustion (accounting for approximately 35%), and indirect emissions from electricity (accounting for approximately 5%). Asia Cement Hualien Plant has dedicated substantial efforts to investing in equipment and improving processes over the years, in its commitment to environmental conservation and greenhouse gas reduction. By actively increasing the use of alternative raw materials and fuels, the plant has consistently reduced carbon emissions, actively contributing to greenhouse gas reduction initiatives. This year's focus on 'Improving Power Generation Efficiency through Waste Heat Recovery and Increasing Reuse of Alternative Raw Materials' has once again led to the plant being honored with an award.

Asia Cement Hualien Plant is among the first factories in Taiwan to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Starting from 2009, the cumulative voluntary reductions have, over the years, exceeded 330,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of 860 Taipei Daan Forest Parks. 

 Nevertheless, Asia Cement has never been complacent with these achievements. Chen Chih-hsien emphasized that in 2022, the plant invested nearly 200 million NT dollars in equipment improvements. In comparison to the previous year, Asia Cement witnessed significant overall performance improvements, with carbon emissions reduced by nearly 30,000 metric tons, and coal consumption simultaneously decreased by over 5,000 metric tons. Asia Cement will continue to develop various carbon reduction technologies and promote the adoption of its own products, such as the Skyscraper brand masonry cement and Portland limestone cement, which boast excellent quality and low carbon emission characteristics. The ultimate goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in collaboration with the industry chain. 

The research team at Asia Cement Hualien Plant simultaneously published a paper titled 'Calculation and Analysis of the Pathway to Net Zero Emissions for the Domestic Cement Industry by 2050.' This paper explores how the cement industry can scientifically establish goals and plan carbon reduction strategies. The paper refers to various carbon reduction measures from the Global Cement and Concrete Association's (GCCA) net zero pathway map and conducts research based on the practical experience of the domestic cement industry. This research not only signifies Asia Cement's commitment to the future but also serves as a crucial guidelines for the development of the entire industry. Through in-depth research and analysis, Asia Cement aims to lead the cement industry towards the solid goal of net zero emissions by 2050, collaborating with industry partners to collectively achieve an environmentally friendly and sustainable future.