Japan and Sweden join Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative

Sharm el-Sheikh, 16 November – Japan and Sweden have joined the Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI) – an international coalition of public and private organizations that are working to decarbonize heavy industries, starting with the steel, cement and concrete sectors.

“Industrial decarbonization is a common challenge to all countries, hence the need for a coordinated approach,” said Mr. Shinichi Kihara, Deputy Director General of Technology and Environment of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. “That’s why Japan has made the decision to join the Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative.”

“I’m happy to announce that Sweden is joining the Clean Energy Ministerial’s Industry Deep Decarbonization Initiative to further strengthen our collaboration,” said Ms. Romina Pourmokhtari, Sweden’s Minister for Climate and the Environment.

Globally, industry contributes an estimated 34 per cent of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Steel and cement (also used to make concrete) account for more than half of these industrial emissions. In particular, the IDDI aims to stimulate demand for lower carbon versions of these common construction materials through greener public procurement.

Both Japan and Sweden announced joining the IDDI at the UN Climate Change Conference COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh. Other member governments of the coalition – which is an initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial, and is coordinated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) – include Canada, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the United States.


Banner image by xegxef from Pixabay.