MCG is one of the 20 representative companies from various subsectors of the national automotive industry that comprise the new Portuguese Decarbonization Roadmap for the National Automotive Sector, a project led by Mobinov – Automotive Cluster and supported by the Portuguese PRR – Recovery and Resilience Plan, and the European Next Generation EU Funds.
The project aims to establish ambitious goals for carbon emission reduction while simultaneously driving the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the value chain. A carbon emission status quo characterization of each company involved in the project is helping formulate suggestions to assist the entire sector in reducing its carbon footprint.
In this context, Miguel Araújo provides an overview of the project activities. The General Director of Mobinov also explains the importance of each company in this decarbonization program.
MCG: What drives the emergence of the National Automotive Sector Decarbonization Roadmap, and what are the project’s main objectives?
Miguel Araújo: Led by Mobinov, Portugal´s automotive cluster, the inception of this ambitious project arose from a series of factors and challenges facing the automotive sector in the country due to the call to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Aligning to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, set by the European Union, Portugal´s commitment entails a substantial reduction in GHG emissions across all sectors.
The National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030 also sets ambitious targets for reducing these emissions and promoting energy efficiency in the transportation sector. Defining and achieving these goals is a significant step towards carbon neutrality at both national and international levels.
In terms of specific goals, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions, promote energy efficiency, encourage the electrification of the automotive fleet, develop cleaner energy sources, and promote sustainable practices throughout the automotive sector´s value chain. All these goals are crucial for reducing the sector´s environmental impact and fulfilling the commitments to decarbonization at both national and international levels.
MCG: Can you explain the potential advantages of MCG’s integration into this program?
Miguel Araújo: MCG’s integration and participation in this decarbonization project demonstrates corporate responsibility and a strong commitment to sustainability by striving to meet stringent environmental regulations.
From the project’s perspective, MCG’s participation is essential to improve the decarbonization program, bringing a valuable perspective and contributing to a significant and representative sample of different types of companies. Representing the metallurgical and engineering sector, MCG faces unique challenges regarding decarbonization, and having the opportunity to incorporate this viewpoint into the project promotes more valuable, comprehensive, and sustainable solutions.
MCG: Regarding the manufacturing industry, what main areas constitute an effective decarbonization process?
Miguel Araújo: To successfully initiate the decarbonization process in the manufacturing industry, it is necessary to envision a company as its ecosystem, where every action matters.
Firstly, the company must recognize itself as its ecosystem and understand the carbon emissions generated because every action matters. One needs to comprehend how all the pieces fit together.
Next, they set tangible reduction goals regarding energy efficiency. Some of the best options include choosing efficient technologies and processes, intelligently managing energy consumption, transitioning to renewable energy as soon as possible, electrifying as many processes as possible, using sustainable raw materials, and practicing waste management.
Additionally, utilizing more efficient logistics and transportation throughout the company’s supply chain while possessing a commitment to achieving environmental certifications encourages technological innovation within all levels of the organization, that’s for sure.
Finally, implementing monitoring and reporting systems is important to track progress and communicate results. Successful decarbonization requires the collective effort of an entire team that shares the journey and demonstrates a solid commitment to sustainability.
MCG: From Mobinov’s perspective, at what stage is the decarbonization process of the industry in Portugal?
Miguel Araújo: It is evolving, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Although always in flux, the country has shown an increasing commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, particularly in light of the European Union’s goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Regarding the automotive sector industry, measures are being taken to reduce emissions, not only in transitioning to the production of electric and hybrid vehicles but also in decarbonizing the supply chain.
While challenging and multifaceted, the decarbonization process requires investments in infrastructure, research, and innovation to drive the development and adoption of more sustainable technologies. The creation of more robust policies and incentives can further accelerate this process.
Continued commitment from the private and public sectors will be essential to achieve the ambitious sustainability and decarbonization goals set at the national and international levels.
Represented in this interview by the General Director Miguel Araújo, Mobinov – Cluster Auto Portugal is a platform for aggregating knowledge and competence within the automotive industry, and of which MCG is an official member. One of its main objectives includes promoting the growing competitiveness and internationalization of the sector.
More info » Portuguese Decarbonization Roadmap for the National Automotive Sector
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You can read the full interview in issue nº 09 of MCG Magazine M: