The challenges posed by climate change have become a global consensus. Governments pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the 2015 Paris Agreement, and at the 2021 Glasgow Climate Summit, they set a clear goal of achieving "net zero emissions" by 2050. This goal has made reducing carbon emissions a major challenge faced by governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. As global climate change intensifies and accelerates, traditional carbon reduction methods appear insufficient to address the increasingly severe environmental challenges. Consequently, countries are actively seeking innovative carbon reduction technologies to address the deepening and accelerating environmental crisis. Against this backdrop, the rapid development of digital technology has provided new opportunities for carbon reduction, becoming a key driver of carbon emission reduction. Therefore, the innovation and application of digital technology have become crucial means and tools for promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Digital technologies offer viable solutions and approaches for accurately monitoring and managing carbon emissions. Technologies such as big data analytics, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence (AI) can effectively improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. A brief introduction is provided below:
(1) Smart Grid and Energy Management:
1. Smart grids reduce energy waste by real-time monitoring and optimizing power distribution.
2. Energy management systems (EMS) use AI and big data analytics to precisely control and manage energy consumption.
(2) Internet of Things (IoT) Technology
1. IoT devices are widely used in areas such as processing equipment and continuous manufacturing lines. They monitor energy usage through sensors and connected devices, thereby reducing unnecessary waste.
2. Smart home systems can automatically adjust energy usage based on user behavior patterns to achieve carbon reduction goals.
(3) Big Data and Carbon Footprint Analysis:
1. Big data technology can be used to analyze the carbon footprint of various activities and identify potential measures to reduce carbon emissions.
2. By making decisions based on data analysis, companies can more effectively formulate carbon reduction plans.
(4) Artificial Intelligence (AI):
1. AI can optimize industrial processes and reduce energy consumption through predictive analysis and intelligent control.
2. AI can also be used to design more efficient renewable energy systems, such as wind power generation and the optimal layout of solar panels.
The SME Agency has always attached great importance to, supported and spared no effort in assisting small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups in facing net zero emissions and using digital technology to help reduce carbon emissions.
Through the provision of subsidies and guidance from the Plastics Industry Technology Development Center, the following digital technology application cases have been achieved:
(1) Smart Grid and Energy Management:
Assist in installing smart meters and connecting to energy management systems:
1. Clearly display individual injection molding machine power usage information.
2. Calculate carbon emissions by factoring in power usage.
3. Customize the interface to visualize the factory floor plan, presenting real-time power consumption for the entire factory.
4. Export .cvs files for statistical analysis and anomaly tracking (data interpretation).
((2) Internet of Things (IoT) Technology
Assisted in connecting feeders to the network and monitoring them through a central system, eliminating "waiting" (abnormal downtime) waste: 1. Improved abnormal downtime, saving 25 hours/month in ineffective work (wasted time). 2. The production line operated for 8 consecutive months without abnormal downtime, with calculated energy savings of 43,290.25 kWh * 8 months = 346,322 kWh (=346,322 degrees Celsius). The converted carbon emissions reduction was 171,429.39 kg = (171.43 tons) CO2e.
(3) Automatic Inspection Equipment (AOI):
♦ Assistance in the introduction of automatic inspection equipment (AOI)
♦ Unmanned/lights-out operation.
♦ Reduced public energy consumption.
♦ Visual inspection, capable of performing full inspections.
♦ Manpower savings: 5 people/month.
However, while digital technologies show great potential in carbon reduction, they also face some challenges and limitations.
1. Technology Cost and Accessibility: The development and application of digital carbon reduction technologies typically require substantial capital investment, posing a significant challenge for resource-constrained small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises. Furthermore, the promotion and application of digital technologies also require consideration of technical feasibility and human resource training.
2. Data Privacy and Security: The widespread use of digital technologies inevitably leads to the collection and processing of massive amounts of data, raising concerns about data privacy and security. How to effectively utilize data while protecting information security is a key issue facing digital carbon reduction technologies.
3. Technical Standards and Policy Support: The development of digital carbon reduction technologies requires unified technical standards and policy support. Therefore, relevant organizations must continuously formulate relevant technical standards and specifications to promote the application of digital technologies in carbon reduction. Furthermore, policy support and fiscal incentives are also important means of promoting technological innovation and diffusion.
In the face of these challenges, the future development of digital carbon reduction technologies will place greater emphasis on integrating technological innovation with application scenarios. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, innovative digital carbon reduction technologies have become a vital tool for the global response to climate change. While the promotion and implementation of these technologies face numerous challenges, with increased policy support and accelerated technological innovation, we believe that digital technologies will play an even more critical role in the future low-carbon transition, helping businesses, industries, and countries achieve their carbon reduction targets and bring us a sustainable future.
By Huang Hanbin, Group Leader, Industrial Services Group, Quality, Environment, and Safety Department, Plastics Industry Technology Development Center
