Core Insights - The establishment of the Nitrous Oxide Emission Control Research and Production Alliance in the industrial sector aims to address the significant challenge of nitrous oxide emissions, which are a major greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 300 times that of carbon dioxide [1][2] Group 1: Alliance Formation and Objectives - The alliance was officially launched on November 26, 2023, under the guidance of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in collaboration with various industry associations, enterprises, and academic institutions [1][2] - The primary goal of the alliance is to reduce the 154 million tons of nitrous oxide emissions from the industrial sector, which accounted for 27.6% of China's total nitrous oxide emissions in 2021 [2][3] Group 2: Emission Control Measures - The action plan outlines specific control measures and targets for nitrous oxide emissions, emphasizing the need for a shift from passive participation to proactive reduction efforts in key industries [2][3] - The alliance will focus on developing monitoring standards for industrial nitrous oxide emissions, conducting research on localized emission factors, and promoting collaborative efforts between academia and industry [3]

Core Viewpoint - China is taking multiple measures to strengthen the control and reduction of nitrous oxide emissions in the industrial sector, emphasizing the establishment of a collaborative alliance to innovate and standardize monitoring and reduction technologies [1][2] Group 1: Nitrous Oxide Emissions Overview - Nitrous oxide is the third-largest greenhouse gas globally, with a global warming potential approximately 300 times that of carbon dioxide, and it has a stable chemical nature with an atmospheric lifespan exceeding 100 years [1] - In 2021, China's total nitrous oxide emissions were 2.102 million tons, accounting for 4.3% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions, with industrial processes contributing 580,000 tons, or 27.6% of the total [1] Group 2: Industrial Sources and Reduction Goals - The primary sources of nitrous oxide emissions in China's industrial sector are the production processes of adipic acid, nitric acid, and caprolactam, with the adipic acid industry being the largest contributor [1] - The establishment of the alliance is seen as a crucial step towards achieving China's dual carbon goals, promoting deep integration of production, learning, research, and application to build a green and low-carbon industrial system [1] Group 3: Future Plans and Initiatives - The "Action Plan for Controlling Nitrous Oxide Emissions in the Industrial Sector" aims to improve emission control policies, enhance innovation capabilities for reduction technologies, and strengthen management capabilities by 2030 [2] - The alliance, initiated by the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation and the China Chemical Energy Conservation Technology Association, will accelerate the development of monitoring standards and encourage market mechanisms for emissions reduction [2]

Core Viewpoint - China aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7%-10% from peak levels by 2035, highlighting the increasing importance of non-CO2 greenhouse gas reductions, particularly nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture [1] Group 1: Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Agriculture - Agricultural activities account for 75% of global anthropogenic nitrous oxide emissions, with fertilizer application and manure management contributing 90% of this total [1] - China, as the largest producer and consumer of nitrogen fertilizers, is responsible for 33% of the country's nitrous oxide emissions [1] - The average nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate in China is approximately 28%-41%, leading to environmental issues such as soil acidification and water eutrophication [1][2] Group 2: Strategies for Emission Reduction - To achieve nitrous oxide reduction, China needs to implement strategies on both the production and consumption sides while ensuring food security [2] - The nitrogen fertilizer industry is energy-intensive, relying heavily on fossil fuels, with 79.59% of ammonia production sourced from coal, significantly higher than the global average of 22% [2] - Recommendations include optimizing energy structure, improving energy efficiency, and developing green ammonia technologies in the production sector [3] Group 3: Policy and Management Recommendations - A comprehensive policy framework and management mechanisms are necessary to guide the nitrogen fertilizer industry's low-carbon development [3] - The "4R" strategy (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place) should be promoted to optimize nitrogen fertilizer management and reduce waste and emissions [3] - Nitrogen fertilizer companies should prepare for future carbon constraints and engage in carbon footprint management and low-carbon technology development [4] Group 4: Industry ESG Reporting - Among 62 listed fertilizer and agrochemical companies in A-shares, 28 have disclosed their 2024 ESG reports, resulting in a disclosure rate of 45.16% [4] - Only 19 companies have achieved an ESG rating of A or above, with most rated at BB level, indicating a need for improvement in sustainability practices [4] - Companies are encouraged to establish monitoring systems for nitrous oxide emissions and engage in lifecycle carbon footprint assessments to support downstream agricultural sectors [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in collaboration with the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, has issued an action plan to control nitrous oxide emissions in the industrial sector, emphasizing technological innovation and effective emission reduction strategies [1][2]. Group 1: Emission Control Strategies - The action plan aims to enhance technological innovation and improve emission management capabilities, focusing on reducing nitrous oxide emissions in the adipic acid, nitric acid, and caprolactam industries [2]. - The effective control of nitrous oxide emissions in the industrial sector is expected to provide climate benefits, environmental benefits through pollution control, and economic benefits through resource utilization [2]. Group 2: Current Emission Data - In 2021, nitrous oxide emissions in China accounted for approximately 4.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with industrial nitrous oxide emissions estimated at 154 million tons of CO2 equivalent [1]. - The primary sources of nitrous oxide emissions in the industrial sector are the production processes of adipic acid, nitric acid, and caprolactam, with adipic acid being the largest contributor [1]. Group 3: Future Directions - The action plan encourages companies to innovate production processes, optimize reaction conditions, and enhance resource utilization efficiency, thereby promoting a transition towards a green, low-carbon, and sustainable industrial chain [2]. - Since 2021, China has gradually included nitrous oxide emission data from nitric acid production in the national carbon market, indicating a move towards more comprehensive emission reporting and management [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the joint action plan issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to control nitrous oxide emissions in the industrial sector. Group 1: Key Tasks - Promote nitrous oxide emission reduction by encouraging industrial product manufacturers to use treatment equipment and catalysts to effectively reduce emissions, and to recycle and purify nitrous oxide tail gas in adipic acid production [1] - Improve supporting policies for nitrous oxide control by researching funding channels to support the construction of recovery and reduction devices, and accelerate the use of market mechanisms to encourage emission reductions in the industrial sector [1] - Strengthen technological innovation by continuously conducting research and development of key technologies, establishing demonstration projects, and supporting the declaration of relevant technologies for national low-carbon technology promotion [1] Group 2: Collaborative Efforts - Enhance collaborative management of nitrous oxide in the industrial sector by exploring the establishment of a collaborative control system for nitrogen oxides and conducting environmental impact assessments for key industries [1] - Strengthen the monitoring, reporting, and verification system for nitrous oxide emissions by establishing reporting systems for key enterprises and developing monitoring and emission standards [1] - Enhance international exchange and cooperation by actively participating in global dialogues and collaborations on nitrous oxide emission control in the industrial sector [2]

Core Viewpoint - The adoption of mid-term drying technology for methane reduction in rice paddies is high, primarily driven by cost savings and yield improvement rather than emission reduction [1] Group 1: Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions - Methane and nitrous oxide are significant non-CO2 greenhouse gases in agriculture, with rice cultivation and nitrogen fertilizer application being major sources [1] - China's methane emissions from rice cultivation showed a "growth then stabilization" trend from 1994 to 2021, while nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural land significantly decreased after 2012 due to fertilizer reduction policies [1] Group 2: Challenges in Emission Reduction - Achieving simultaneous goals of emission reduction, high yield, and low cost in agriculture is challenging, as practices like controlled irrigation can lower methane emissions but may increase nitrous oxide emissions and affect crop stability [2] - Extreme weather conditions, such as increased rainfall in North China, pose new challenges for crop yields, necessitating a shift in crop types and cultivation strategies [2] Group 3: Technological Solutions for Low Carbon and High Yield - A combination of technologies, including irrigation optimization, fertilizer management, and variety selection, is essential for achieving low carbon and high yield in rice cultivation [3] - A four-year trial demonstrated that a combination of controlled irrigation, efficient nitrogen-reducing fertilizers, and straw incorporation can reduce methane emissions by 15% to 26% without affecting yields [3]