Tamil Nadu and Singapore on Wednesday launched a framework to develop what could become the first net-zero industrial park of the state in Thiruvalluvar district, as the state seeks to align its manufacturing ambitions with global climate targets.
The “Net Zero Industrial Park (NZIP) Framework”, released herei by Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa and Singapore’s Consul-General Edgar Pang, aims to embed sustainability principles into the design and operation of future industrial hubs.
Jointly developed by the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, the framework offers a roadmap for governments and businesses to reduce carbon emissions across the industrial value chain. The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) led the technical drafting, supported by inputs from Enterprise Singapore, the Centre for Liveable Cities, and other national agencies.
Targeted at developing countries, with a specific focus on Tamil Nadu, the NZIP Framework is designed for light industries and manufacturing sectors. The Framework offers a pathway by integrating renewable energy sources, advanced technologies for resource efficiency, and innovative waste management solutions.However, it does not yet fully address the complex decarbonisation challenges of heavy industries such as metals, minerals, and petrochemicals.
It is learnt that future iterations of the framework may expand its guidance to include these sectors, which are among the largest contributors to industrial emissions globally.
At its core, the NZIP Framework draws on case studies from both countries and practical insights from Singaporean companies operating in Asia. It sets targets consistent with the Paris Agreement—halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050.
Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said in a social media post that , "We are reimagining the industrial parks of the future, where sustainable design and decarbonisation are embedded right from inception. This new initiative will help industries reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and aim to reach net-zero by 2050, thus aligning us with the world’s most forward-looking climate goals.
The detailed blueprint will guide every aspect of running the park including emissions accounting standards, infrastructure planning, and financing model, Managing Director of SIPCOT, Dr K Senthil Raj said the park will be developed in Thiruvallur district. However, he did not divulge on how many acres the park will be developed.
According to the Framework, site selection will determine a large percentage of an industrial park’s emissions, even before the park is designed, by determining land use change, access to low carbon transport, and access to renewable energy.
Senthil Raj said the initiative builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2023 during Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s visit to Singapore. It also reflects Singapore’s broader strategic interest in exporting its urban sustainability expertise to rapidly growing economies in Asia.
Pang added: “As both economies deepen trade and investment ties, sustainable industrialisation is a shared priority. This is a model of what our partnership can deliver.”
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