How to reduce cement CO2 emissions?
5 key take-aways for reducing cement CO2 emissions to meet the Paris Agreement
The cement industry is responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As the world works to limit global warming to below 2°C, or even better 1,5°C, it's essential to reduce these emissions. This article outlines key take-aways to help the cement industry align with the Paris Agreement's climate goals.
1. Embracing innovation
To cut emissions, the cement industry must adopt new technologies across all stages of production. From sourcing raw materials to manufacturing cement, there are many opportunities to use low-carbon methods.
2. Integrating renewable energy
Switching to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or biomass can make a big difference in reducing cement’s carbon footprint. By replacing fossil fuels with cleaner options, cement plants can lower their emissions and operate more sustainably.
3. Using alternative raw materials
Using alternative materials, such as fly ash, slag, and calcined clays, can help reduce the need for traditional, high-emission clinker in cement. These materials are less carbon-intensive and can lower overall emissions from cement production.
4. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology offers a way to capture CO2 before it escapes into the atmosphere. Advanced carbon capture systems can trap CO2 emissions before they leave the cement plant, and when paired with effective storage, these systems have the potential to greatly reduce the industry's overall carbon emissions.
Captured CO2 can be used to produce synthetic fuels, chemicals, and even building materials, reducing the need for fossil fuels and helping to create a circular economy where CO2 is repurposed instead of wasted.
To make carbon capture effective, the captured CO2 needs to be transported to storage or utilization sites, thus improving infrastructure for CO2 transportation is crucial.
Storing CO2 undergrounds completely avoids the negative affect CO2 has on the global atmospheric temperature.
The CO2 can be stored in depleted oil fields - onshore or offshore. Existing infrastructure can be converted for CO2 storage. Knowledge of the local geology can be leveraged to ensure the CO2 will stay trapped for decades, centuries or even millennia.
In some geological formations, the CO2 can be mineralized and turned to rock. This way the CO2 will never end up in our atmosphere ever again.
5. Collaboration and policy support
Reducing cement emissions will require cooperation between the cement industry, governments, and researchers. Policies that support carbon reduction—such as financial incentives and regulatory frameworks—will help speed up the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
Conclusion
Cutting CO2 emissions from global cement production is essential to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals. The industry must embrace innovative solutions like carbon capture and renewable energy, while also investing in infrastructure and collaborating with governments. With the right efforts, it’s possible to reduce emissions and make cement production future-proof.
