Industrial Collaboration for Net-Zero: Case Studies and Best Practices in Asia

Asia is home to some of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries, including steel, cement, chemicals, and power generation. Collectively, these sectors account for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the region is emerging as a hub for innovative industrial collaboration aimed at achieving net-zero emissions.

Cross-Sector Alliances for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

The steel industry is at the forefront of CCUS initiatives in Asia. In 2025, BHP led a global consortium—including ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, JSW Steel, Hyundai Steel, Chevron Corp, and Mitsui & Co.—to explore large-scale CCUS projects across Asia. The collaboration aims to assess the feasibility of deploying CCUS in hard-to-abate sectors, such as steelmaking, by developing shared infrastructure and distributing risks among members.

Similarly, ArcelorMittal and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched a pilot CO₂ capture unit at ArcelorMittal’s steel plant in Gent, Belgium, aiming to capture a significant portion of emissions and pave the way for full-scale deployment.

Industrial Clusters as Catalysts for Decarbonization

Industrial clusters allow companies to share infrastructure, reduce costs, and implement decarbonization technologies at scale. Envision Energy has established the first net-zero industrial park in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, integrating wind, solar, and hydrogen energy with various industries to reduce millions of tons of carbon emissions annually. Industrial clusters provide an environment for systemic efficiency, circularity, and renewable energy adoption.

Public-Private Partnerships Driving National Decarbonization

Governments in Asia are increasingly partnering with the private sector to facilitate industrial decarbonization. In Indonesia, the Net Zero Hub has engaged 80 companies to understand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, offering tools and training to develop tailored strategies. Similarly, UNIDO supports industrial decarbonization in Thailand through policy support, technology transfer, and capacity building.

Leveraging Green Hydrogen and Low-Carbon Fuels

The transition to green hydrogen and low-carbon fuels is gaining momentum. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and GC Corporation are exploring hydrogen, ammonia, and Carbon Capture and Storage technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions from power generation, assessing feasibility over a multi-year period.

Best Practices for Industrial Collaboration

Key best practices include:

• Shared infrastructure and risk distribution to lower costs and mitigate project risks.
• Public-private partnerships for policy support, funding, and expertise.
• Technology integration including CCUS, green hydrogen, and renewable energy.
• Capacity building and knowledge sharing to equip companies with tools for effective decarbonization.

Conclusion

Asia's carbon-heavy industries are increasingly collaborating to achieve net-zero emissions. Cross-sector alliances, industrial clusters, public-private partnerships, and innovative technologies are key to driving progress. These initiatives underscore the importance of collective action in industrial decarbonization.

Written by NetZero Asia. Explore more insights at www.netzero.asia

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Readers should verify information independently and consult appropriate experts before making any decisions based on the content.