Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement on zero-CO₂ emissions by 2050 is a goal whose realization should be worked on systematically and at an accelerated pace. Only coordinated and structural activities in each segment of the operation of companies and organizations will lead to the realization of these goals and accelerate the process of decarbonisation and mitigation of climate change. In that direction, cooperation and raising of awareness is necessary and urgent. In addition, in this process it is important to share already implemented technologies and innovations, existing knowledge and practice and to strengthen cooperation between all entities. These were the main conclusions of the two-day workshop entitled „Decarbonization of the economy - the contribution of the cement industry“ organized by Cementarnica USJE AD Skopje.
USJE is one of the first companies to start monitoring CO₂ emissions in 2005, although this was not a legal obligation. In addition, the company is continuously investing in new technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions.
„Decarbonization-digitalization-delivery“ is the new moto of the Titan group, whose integral part is Cementarnica USJE as well, and within this new grouping philosophy, the measures for achieving these goals are intensified.
„USJE is a pioneer in the process of decarbonization in the country. Not only do we monitor CO₂ emissions through an independent metering system, but we are constantly investing in the modernization and improvement of this process in the overall operation. In that direction, we are among the first entities that have installed equipment for the use of alternative fuels. In that way we directly contribute to the decarbonization process. In addition, by 2030 we will invest 10 million euros in increasing our contribution to this process - we will increase the use of alternative fuels by three times, and by five times we will increase the share of biomass in fuels. Through the measures taken, we managed to reduce the amount of energy by 5%, by applying energy efficient methods. In this regard, we also plan to reduce the share of clinker in cement by almost 14% through the implementation of new technologies and renewable energy sources. We already produce “Eco cement„ with a reduced share of CO₂, which is well accepted on the market. We will continue to share our experiences and will support the process of decarbonization through education and networking of all relevant factors, “said Goce Cvetkoski, technical director of the USJE.
Ana Mazneva Karanfilova, MA, Head of the Waste Department at the Ministry of environment and physical planning, also presented her work at the workshop, presenting the legal framework for the decarbonization process and the legal framework for waste and use of alternative fuels in the country. Professor Dr. Dame Dimitrovski from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje spoke about the potential of alternative fuels as one of the solutions to the energy crisis facing the country. Prof. Dr. Marina Malish Sazdova, from the Faculty of Security, who highlighted the current situation in this area in the country, spoke about the environmental crime and the legal framework that covers this area.
The President of the Macedonian Solid Waste Association – MaSWA Mihail Mateski emphasized the situation with waste in the country and possible models for its utilization through selection, proper disposal, recycling and re-use and creation of alternative fuels for greater decarbonization. The latest trends in the field of alternative fuels, as an opportunity to accelerate the process of decarbonization were presented by Natasha Bakreska, Environmental and alternative fuels Manager at USJE.
According to information in the Third Biennial Report on Climate Change 2020, more than 73% of CO₂ emissions are from the energy production sector, while industry contributes 8.5%.
The Paris Agreement, which is part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is supported by 196 countries and was adopted unanimously on 12 December 2005. The main goal of this agreement is to slow down climate change by keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, which is why it is necessary to reduce CO₂ emissions.
