[CDx Launch Session Summary] Townhall Discussion - Decarbonization and Corporate Priorities: Four Actors and their Perspectives

The townhall discussed five critical pillars of industrial decarbonization: Demand management, Material efficiency, Energy efficiency, Electrification of heating, and Low-carbon fuel feedstock.

Speakers emphasized the necessity of sector-specific policies and highlighted the challenges faced by heavy industries like cement and steel. Samsung’s 500 megawatts (MW) renewable energy demand in Vietnam showcased the private sector’s role in advancing decarbonization, while Asia Clean Energy Coalition’s work in promoting renewable energy procurement illustrated the power of corporate collaboration. The session underscored the financial and technical barriers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), advocating for robust government policies and corporate initiatives to address these gaps. Emerging technologies such as digitalization, AI, and green hydrogen were presented as transformative tools, complementing foundational measures like energy efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Sector-Specific Policies: Decarbonization strategies must be tailored to the unique needs of each industry, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.

• Support for SMEs: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) require external technical and financial assistance to overcome resource and expertise limitations.

• Corporate Advocacy: Collaboration and advocacy efforts, exemplified by ASEC and the Global Renewables Alliance, are vital for influencing policy and scaling renewable energy procurement.

• Technology Innovation: Emerging technologies like AI, digitalization, and green hydrogen offer significant opportunities for decarbonization, while foundational solutions like energy efficiency remain critical.

• Cost Barriers: High costs in heavy industries such as cement and steel highlight the need for targeted government interventions, subsidies, and market mechanisms.

• Renewable Energy Demand: Large corporate commitments, such as Samsung’s renewable energy initiatives, signal the increasing role of private sector leadership in driving systemic change.

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