Cement Industry Urges Urgent Expansion of Government Support to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

[Asia Economy Reporter Junhyung Lee] The cement industry has expressed the urgent need for expanded government support for facility investment and regulatory relaxation to achieve carbon neutrality.

The Korea Cement Association announced on the 26th that it conveyed opinions on government support measures necessary for carbon neutrality at an environmental policy meeting hosted by the Ministry of Environment, inviting CEOs from the industrial sector. The meeting was attended by Minister of Environment Han Jeong-ae and Lee Hyun-jun, Chairman of the Korea Cement Association, among others.

They discussed the main issues, including the direction of carbon neutrality promotion and difficulties faced by the industry. A research presentation on the theme of "Corporate Carbon Neutrality Measures" was also conducted.

Professor Kim Jin-man of Kongju National University gave a presentation titled "Challenges of the Domestic Cement Industry for 2050 Carbon Neutrality." Professor Kim emphasized, "In the cement industry, which operates high-temperature calcination processes, disposing of waste is currently the most rational solution." He added, "Policy support should back the industry's expanded use of waste to build a cement-centered value chain and realize carbon neutrality."

Lee Hyun-jun, Chairman of the Korea Cement Association, stated, "The core of carbon neutrality in the cement industry is replacing fossil fuels such as bituminous coal with combustible waste (recycled resources)." However, he noted, "The calorific value of recycled resources that can be used in cement production facilities is somewhat high at 4,500 calories per kilogram (kg)." He continued, "There are difficulties due to insufficient investment support funds for greenhouse gas reduction," adding, "Regulatory relaxation and an increase in the scale of investment support funds are necessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.