Decarbonization

Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda Commit to New Engine Development for the Electrification Era, Toward Carbon Neutrality

Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda Commit to New Engine Development for the Electrification Era, Toward Carbon Neutrality

Decarbonization, Electfrification, Electric Vehicles, Emissions, Industry News, Recent News / By

Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda Commit to New Engine Development for the Electrification Era, Toward Carbon Neutrality Subaru Corporation (Subaru), Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) have each committed to developing new engines tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality. With these engines, each of the three companies will aim to optimize integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units. While transforming vehicle packaging with more compact engines, these efforts will also decarbonize ICEs by making them compatible with various carbon-neutral (CN) fuels*1. Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda have always been driven by a deep understanding of their customers’ diverse lifestyles. This understanding has led the three companies to develop signature engines*2 that not only represent their respective brands but also cater to their customers’ unique needs and preferences. In pursuing decarbonization, all three companies have focused on carbon as the enemy and sought to expand options by acting with passion and purpose. This mindset has driven efforts to ensure a future for the supply chains and jobs that underpin engines. Under the extreme conditions of racing, the companies have worked to broaden powertrain and fuel options by competing with vehicles running on liquid hydrogen and CN fuels.   This process has clarified the role that future engines will play in achieving carbon neutrality. With the next generation of engines, the three companies will seek to not only improve standalone engine performance but also optimize their integration with electric drive units, harnessing the advantages of each. While being highly efficient and powerful, the new engines will also revolutionize vehicle packaging by being more compact than existing models. Smaller engines will allow for even lower hoods, improving design possibilities and aerodynamic performance while contributing to better fuel efficiency. The development will also emphasize compliance with increasingly strict emissions regulations.   At the same time, the new engines will be made carbon neutral by shifting away from fossil fuels and offering compatibility with various alternatives, including e-fuel (synthetic fuel), biofuels, and liquid hydrogen. In doing so, these engines will contribute to the broader adoption of CN fuels.   Upon this announcement, the CEOs of the three companies made the following comments: “Achieving a carbon-neutral society is a challenge that must be undertaken by all of Japan’s industries and society as a whole. As we continue to refine electrification technology, we will also enhance our horizontally-opposed engines with an aim to use carbon-neutral fuels in the future. Moving forward, the three companies sharing the same aspiration will continue to advance the pursuit of sustainable excellence in Japanese car manufacturing.” （Atsushi Osaki, Representative Director, President and CEO, Subaru Corporation）   “In order to provide our customers with diverse options to achieve carbon neutrality, it is necessary to take on the challenge of evolving engines that are in tune with the energy environment of the future. The three companies, which share the same aspirations, will refine engine technologies through friendly competition.” （Koji Sato, President, Member of the Board of Directors and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation）   We will continue to offer customers exciting cars by honing internal combustion engines for the electrification era and expanding the multi-pathway possibilities for achieving carbon neutrality. Given the rotary engine’s compatibility with electrification and carbon-neutral fuels, Mazda will continue to develop the technology through co-creation and competition to ensure it can contribute broadly to society. （Masahiro Moro, Representative Director, President and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation）   Even as Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda compete in the product arena with unique engines and cars, the companies have a shared dedication to achieving carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach. Together with like- minded partners similarly skilled and passionate about engines, they will work to create the future of Japan’s auto industry.   *1: Fuels with net zero CO2 emissions into the atmosphere across their lifecycle, from manufacture to use. These include e-fuel, made from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and biofuels derived from biomass (plants, etc.).   *2: Each company’s iconic engines Subaru: Horizontally-opposed engine. Pistons move horizontally, resulting in a low-profile engine with less vibration & lower center of gravity. Toyota: inline-four engine. Achieves both high output and high thermal efficiency. Mazda: Rotary engine. Compact and lightweight, yet powerful. Currently used for generators.   Subaru website:               https://www.subaru.co.jp/news-en/2024_05_28_112205 Toyota website:              https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/40850156.html YouTube URL:                    https://youtube.com/live/lwwlnGIAxVw CLICK HERE FOR LATEST NEWS. READ CURRENT AND PAST ISSUES OF IAA. KEEP YOURSELF UPDATED, SUBSCRIBE TO IAA NOW! AND DON’T FORGET FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN AND TWITTER!

From Cogs To Bytes – A Data Protection Career In Industrial Automation

From Cogs To Bytes – A Data Protection Career In Industrial Automation

Curated Articles, Data Analysis, Data Center, Data Centres, Decarbonisation, Decarbonization, Deep-tech, Delivery, Desalination, Recent News / By

From Cogs To Bytes – A Data Protection Career In Industrial Automation By Alvin Toh, Co-founder, Straits Interactive Amidst ongoing digitalisation, industrial automation, often referred to as Industry 4.0, has seamlessly integrated personal data into its operations. As the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) advances, it has heralded an era of interconnected devices, predictive analytics, data-driven decision-making in the industrial automation sector. This influx of data, while pivotal for optimising operations, has propelled the need for skilled data protection professionals and created many new positions in the data protection industry. In the manufacturing sector, personal information, including biometric data and identifiable media, is collected from various sources. Video surveillance, a common practice for ensuring safety and security compliance, exemplifies the prevalence of Personal Identifiable Information (PII) being collected and analysed to enhance operational practices. I believe the consequential need for robust rules on personal data protection and governance is more significant than ever to mitigate risks of misuse or unauthorised access. According to a Singapore-based job search study, conducted by the Data Protection Excellence (DPEX) Centre, found a 125% increase in data protection jobs in 2022 from 2021. It also found a 608% increase in hiring for Data Governance roles in various sectors from 2021, such as in Banking & Finance, Business Services, IT and Health. Job titles of managerial level and above are becoming more frequent. This surge is reflective of a broader trend observed in the manufacturing sector, emphasising the rising demand for data protection professionals. The integration of IIoT in manufacturing necessitates stringent practices and controls to protect sensitive information, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data in their networks, systems and processes. This is where Data Protection Officers (DPOs) step in, playing a pivotal role in operationalizing these best practices and controls as well as managing data governance. The demand for DPOs is further fuelled by the maturing regional regulatory landscapes in Southeast Asia, with mandatory DPO appointments and increased fines for non-compliance. Despite the presence of skilled IT professionals in companies, a significant privacy skills gap persists. The focus on cybersecurity risks often overshadows mandatory privacy compliance regulations. Recognising this gap presents a unique career growth opportunity for professionals within infosecurity functions to become competent data protection experts through adequate specialised training in personal data privacy. This can be achieved through hands-on training for DPOs or certifications like the ISO27701 Privacy Information Management System (PIMS), which adds a privacy perspective on top of the ISO27001 Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) certification that most cybersecurity professionals already have.  The data protection sector is set to grow rapidly in the coming years and, as a result, more can be expected from DPOs. Data breaches in the manufacturing industry can have many adverse consequences, ranging from operational and supply chain disruptions to loss of business continuity, leading to unhappy customers and legal outcomes. To prevent this, DPOs oversee the implementation of Data Protection Management Programmes (DPMP) in companies. Regulators like the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) in Singapore have issued clear guidelines for how DPOs should implement a robust DPMP with a framework summarised as G-A-P-S-R (Governance, Assessment, Protection, Sustainability, Response). When it comes to Governance, DPOs help manage how personal data is collected, used, disclosed, and stored, ensuring compliance with data protection laws. They work with relevant departments to close any gaps in data processing operations, update privacy policies, and provide training to staff. With regard to assessment, DPOs assess risks related to the processing of personal data, including conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) on new technologies and data processes. In terms of protection they implement policies and processes for handling personal data securely to safeguard against identified risks. Sustainability means that DPOs maintain compliance efforts by communicating data protection policies to stakeholders, conducting audits, and monitoring risks continually. And last but not least the role of the DPO involves managing queries, complaints, and liaising with data protection regulators in the event of data breaches. DPOs play a vital role in demonstrating accountability to regulators. As the manufacturing sector embraces more embedded AI in the future, DPOs will need to enact AI Governance. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) has recently introduced the Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification, addressing the emerging AI Governance profession.  For those in the manufacturing sector seeking to stay current with the privacy landscape, platforms like the DPEX Network offer insights into the latest career trends and competency roadmaps. Professional certifications in data protection and data governance, in collaboration with certification bodies such as EXIN, IAPP, OCEG and PECB, as well as educational institutions like Singapore Management University (SMU) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), provide avenues for upskilling. CLICK HERE FOR LATEST NEWS. READ CURRENT AND PAST ISSUES OF IAA. KEEP YOURSELF UPDATED, SUBSCRIBE TO IAA NOW! AND DON’T FORGET FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN AND TWITTER!

Pioneering Sustainable Tubing Solutions

Pioneering Sustainable Tubing Solutions

Curated Articles, Decarbonization, Sustainability / By

Pioneering Sustainable Tubing Solutions In an exclusive interview with Industrial Automation Asia, Sharath Satish, President of Business Unit Tube APAC at Alleima, unveils the vision behind the company’s SEK 250 million investment in a state-of-the-art greenfield facility in Zhenjiang, China. This strategic move is set to revolutionize the chemical and petrochemical industries in the Asia-Pacific region by enhancing production capabilities, promoting sustainability, and fostering community development, aligning perfectly with the global shift towards renewable energy and decarbonization. Can you elaborate on the significance of Alleima’s recent investment of approximately SEK 250 million in a greenfield facility in Zhenjiang, China? What does this investment mean for Alleima, and how do you see it impacting the chemical and petrochemical industry in the APAC region?    The global petrochemical market size expected to reach over USD 1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2032, according to Precedence Research. In 2022, Asia Pacific led the market, with a substantial 52% revenue share, thanks to increased adoption of petrochemicals as raw materials for a number of commercial applications. 1   This trend is especially growing in China, which is why our investment in the Zhenjiang facility is pivotal for Alleima in China and the region. It will significantly enhance our production capabilities, specifically in the field of application tubing products such as heat exchanger tubes and composite tubes. In 2022, Alleima China contributed approximately 10% of Alleima’s overall revenues, emerging as our largest market for Tube in the APAC region.   With this investment, we are strategically positioning ourselves to further growth in China and increase our ability to cater to the growing demand and needs of the chemical and petrochemical industries in the region.   The new cold-finishing facility in Zhenjiang spans over 10,000 square meters and strategically located on your existing site. Could you discuss the key features and portfolio of this facility and how it enhances Alleima’s operations in the region?    Our new facility will be equipped with cutting-edge cold-finishing technologies to meet the increasing demand for heat exchangers, composite tubes, and various application tubing products. By increasing our capabilities, we not only can ensure the delivery of top-quality products but also significantly reduce lead times for our regional customers. This will also allow us to broaden our product range, offering our customers a wider selection of specialized tubing solution, such as hydrogen tubes which would meet the demand generated by the growth of China’s green hydrogen infrastructure.   Alleima has demonstrated a long-term commitment to serving the expanding market for application tubing products in China. Could you shed light on Alleima’s growth strategy in the Chemical and Petrochemical sector within the APAC region, and how this investment aligns with that strategy?    For the past 160 years (38 years in China), we have been focusing on four key areas: growth, materials innovation and technology leadership, operational and commercial excellence and sustainability. Our growth strategy is to advance industries like Chemical and Petrochemical through materials technology. We continuously strive towards creating more efficient, more profitable, and more sustainable processes, products and applications for our customers in these industries.   This new investment in Zhenjiang is just another example of our commitment, allowing us to enhance our ability to serve the ever expanding markets efficiently and sustainably.   Sustainability is a growing concern in today’s industrial landscape. Could you provide insights into how Alleima is exemplifying its commitment to sustainability through the provision of sustainable tubing solutions, particularly in the context of the global need for decarbonization in the chemical and petrochemical sector?    Sustainability is present in all our operations and is an integral part of our commercial strategy. The main contributions to sustainability are our product offerings that support customers’ transition towards renewable energy, our conscious effort to minimize the environmental impact of our operations, and more.   83% of our materials today are composed of recycled materials. We also use more than 96% fossil-free electricity, consciously reduce water usage, ensure careful chemical management, and effectively use by-products such as slag, dust, and process gases. By doing so, we also support customers who are committed to sustainability and circularity, allowing them to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by minimizing the reliance on virgin materials.   In terms of the new facility, it will enable us to support the segments where we are seeing increased opportunities, primarily renewable sector such as hydrogen and biofuels. We are able to develop products such as hydrogen tubes and tubes made from Polysilicon, a key raw material in renewable technologies. This ability will allow us to contribute to China’s transition to green hydrogen infrastructure and the region’s shift to renewable energy sources.   What sets Alleima’s new facility in Zhenjiang apart from competitors in terms of technology, innovation, and environmental considerations?    While we don’t comment about competitors, we can say that our focus remains on continuous innovation and advancing industries through material technology, a commitment we have upheld for over 160 years. Our new facility in Zhenjiang will allow us to do more for our customer and meet their needs in high quality materials for heat exchangers, hydrogen tubes, composite tubes and other application tubing products.   How do you foresee this investment impacting local employment and the broader community in Zhenjiang, China? Are there any community development initiatives or partnerships associated with this project?    This investment not only creates job opportunities but also strengthens our brand as an employer in China. It’s a mutually beneficial situation for Alleima and the communities in Zhenjiang and Shanghai where we operate. Various collaboration projects and initiatives supporting this investment are currently under discussion, and more details will be communicated soon.   In the context of international trade dynamics and the current global economic climate, what challenges and opportunities did Alleima encounter during the planning and execution of this investment, and how did the company address them?    Securing approval for this investment involved extensive discussions and planning several years in

Yokogawa Invests in and Signs Memorandum on Business Partnership with Tsubame BHB

Yokogawa Invests in and Signs Memorandum on Business Partnership with Tsubame BHB

Decarbonisation, Decarbonization, Electrolyzer, Energy Transition, Hydrogen, Industry News, Recent News, Sustainability / By

Yokogawa Invests in and Signs Memorandum on Business Partnership with Tsubame BHB – Collaboration to include joint development of solutions for ammonia production-   Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces that it has invested in and signed a memorandum on a business partnership with Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd. (Head office: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Representative: Director CEO Koji Nakamura). Tsubame BHB, a university- based startup that was founded by a group headed by Professor Emeritus Hideo Hosono of the Tokyo Institute of Technology, has developed an ammonia synthesis method that makes use of electride catalysts. Ammonia is mainly used in the production of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. As well as playing an essential role in improving crop yields for a growing world population, it is hoped that it can also serve as a hydrogen carrier and fuel. While the synthesis of ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen is conventionally done under high temperature and high pressure conditions, Tsubame BHB’s electride catalysts enable the synthesis of hydrogen and nitrogen at relatively low temperature and pressure levels and thus are able to reduce the environmental impact of the ammonia synthesis process. Tsubame BHB has already received an order to supply a small distributed ammonia production plant.   In view of an anticipated major surge in energy demand that will drive the need for ammonia fuel and hydrogen carriers, Tsubame BHB has raised capital and is working to optimize the design of processes used by medium and large-scale ammonia synthesis facilities and developing catalysts that do not require the use of rare or precious metals. Yokogawa will work with Tsubame BHB to jointly develop solutions that automate the ammonia production process, improve the efficiency of remote operations by integrating the handling of data from upstream renewable energy and hydrogen production facilities, employ demand forecasting to optimize supply chains, and streamline operations and maintenance. Both companies will also consider accelerating the overseas expansion of this business. Koji Nakaoka, a Yokogawa senior vice president and head of the company’s Energy & Sustainability Business Headquarters and Global Sales Headquarters, said, “In accordance with Yokogawa’s Purpose, which states, ‘Utilizing our ability to measure and connect, we fulfill our responsibilities for the future of our planet,’ we shall undertake investigations that include working with Tsubame BHB on the development of solutions that enable ammonia manufacturing and provision with a low environmental burden, for the achievement of a decarbonized society.”

Singapore Manufacturing Federation launches decarbonisation programme to help SMEs attract businesses with sustainability reporting requirements

Singapore Manufacturing Federation launches decarbonisation programme to help SMEs attract businesses with sustainability reporting requirements

Decarbonisation, Decarbonization, ESG, Green, GreenTech, Industry 4.0, Industry News, Innovation, Manufacturing, Recent News, Sustainability / By

Singapore Manufacturing Federation launches decarbonisation programme to help SMEs attract businesses with sustainability reporting requirements Launched at SMF’s inaugural Manufacturing Day Summit 2024, the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)- as-a-Service programme will help manufacturers assess their sustainability position, prioritise improvements with the most significant impact, develop an actionable roadmap and submit data, including greenhouse gas emissions (GHG Scope 1 and 2) to Gprnt.ai, an integrated environmental, social and governance (ESG) data platform launched by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to generate internationally-compliant reports. The manufacturing sector is Singapore’s most significant driver of nominal GDP (21.6%) 1 , and companies need to start reporting emission numbers or risk losing out to competitors, as many of them are suppliers for international partners who will soon need to submit reports about the carbon footprint of their supply chain.

Surbana Jurong and Invest Sarawak sign partnership to deepen energy transition, transformation & decarbonisation initiatives in Sarawak State

Surbana Jurong and Invest Sarawak sign partnership to deepen energy transition, transformation & decarbonisation initiatives in Sarawak State

Carbon Neutrality, CCUS, Decarbonisation, Decarbonization, Digital Transformation, Industry News, Recent News / By

Surbana Jurong and Invest Sarawak sign partnership to deepen energy transition, transformation & decarbonisation initiatives in Sarawak State Memorandum of Understanding follows SJ’s appointment in 2021 to study Sarawak State’s downstream petrochemical industry to attract higher value investments

Ministry of Industry and Southeast Asia Industry Leaders Join Delta Summit 2023 to Explore Solutions for Smart Low-Carbon Society Transformation

Ministry of Industry and Southeast Asia Industry Leaders Join Delta Summit 2023 to Explore Solutions for Smart Low-Carbon Society Transformation

Decarbonisation, Decarbonization, Digital Transformation, Electfrification, electromobility, Industry News, Regional Developments / By

Ministry of Industry and Southeast Asia Industry Leaders Join Delta Summit 2023 to Explore Solutions for Smart Low-Carbon Society Transformation Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL. successfully hosted the Delta Future Industry Summit 2023 on November 3 at the Grande Centre Point Terminal 21, Bangkok with the theme: Realizing a Smart Low-Carbon Society in Southeast Asia.

Johnson Controls Recognised for Equipping Local Workforce with Skills for the Built Environment

Johnson Controls Recognised for Equipping Local Workforce with Skills for the Built Environment

Decarbonisation, Decarbonization, Digital Transformation, Industry News, Recent News, Smart Buildings, Sustainability / By

Johnson Controls Recognised for Equipping Local Workforce with Skills for the Built Environment Johnson Controls has been awarded the SkillsFuture Employer Awards (Gold) for its efforts in championing skills development and building a lifelong learning culture. As a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, Johnson Controls provides mentorship and support to guide enterpises in the built environment in their sustainability journeys.