CLIMATE-FRIENDLY TRANSFORMATION OF NITRIC ACID PRODUCTION
Aiming at the climate-friendly transformation of the nitric acid sector on a global scale, the German Government initiated the Nitric Acid Climate Action Group (NACAG). Vietnam joined NACAG in 2019. Vietnam has taken significant steps towards reducing N2O emissions from nitric acid production by adopting the Decree on Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Protection of the Ozone Layer and approving the National Climate Change Strategy for 2050, which created a solid legal basis for the climate-friendly transformation of its industries and, in particular, of nitric acid production.
Applying abatement technology on nitric acid (HNO3) production to permanently reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions is one crucial step to achieve industrial decarbonization. After receiving the Grant Application Note (GAN) sent by one of the two nitric acid plant operators in Vietnam the NACAG Secretariate updated the pre-feasibility study including best possible and relevant abatement technologies for HNO3 production lines. If the application will be successful Germany will transfer the abatement technology to be installedi n the HNO3 production line which could reduce of 300,000 tons of CO2 equivalents per year, which is equivalent to the annual emissions from approximately 65,000 passenger vehicles in Vietnam.
The precondition to receive NACAG financial support is that the Statement of Undertaking (SoU) would be signed by Vietnam. Vinachemia/MOIT is conducting a consultation process for SOU signing with relevant agencies in line with Vietnamese regulation.
The SOU is a pledge by the Vietnamese Government to take on full responsibility for continuing mitigation activities of N2O emissions in the nitric acid sector.
Globally, ten countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Georgia, Jordan, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, and Zimbabwe, have signed SOU as their commitment to ensuring effective and permanent mitigation of N2O emissions from nitric acid production.
The developments in Vietnam and these other countries mark an essential milestone in the global industrial climate-friendly transformation. By promoting the use of best practices and technologies, the IKI supported NACAG is helping countries to reduce N2O emissions and to achieve their climate goals. More information may be found on the NACAG website (https://www.nitricacidaction.org/).