Technology Roadmap Low-Carbon Transition in the Cement Industry

Technology Roadmap
Low-Carbon Transition in the Cement Industry
their properties on a global scale is imperative, 
taking into account the varying nature of most 
cement blending materials. Priority should be 
given to determining their environmental footprint 
(including CO
2
), in addition to their effect on 
cement strength and durability. These studies 
should take a holistic view by considering specific 
construction-related needs. 
The availability of current materials and shifts 
in industrial process routes make it imperative 
that research efforts also focus on identifying 
and developing new cement blending materials. 
Calcined clays are a possible candidate, and 
ongoing research is expected to provide critical 
information on their performance and durability. 
In the same context, similar benefits may be realised 
from valorising other materials, including electric 
arc furnace slag, vegetable ashes, bauxite residue 
and tailings from mining operations. Targeted R&D 
actions are crucial in addressing the challenges 
that will allow the use of alternative blending 
materials, such as improving hydraulic or pozzolanic 
properties and handling the possible presence of 
heavy metals.
Using emerging and 
innovative technologies
Emerging and innovative technologies provide 
3.7 GtCO
2
or 48% of the cumulative CO
2
emissions savings by 2050 globally in the 2DS 
compared to the RTS. This is equivalent to 166% 
of current direct CO
2
emissions of global cement 
production.
Contributing to the 
decarbonisation of electricity
Electricity consumption currently represents 13% 
of the global final energy consumption of cement 
making, similar to the contribution of oil to the 
energy mix of the sector. The additional electricity 
requirements from implementing other carbon 
emissions mitigation levers are expected to increase 
the global electricity intensity of cement by 6% 
by 2050 in the 2DS compared to the current level. 
This is despite the energy efficiency improvements 
in electricity-intensive equipment analysed in this 
roadmap. There are different options that the cement 
sector can use to support the reduction of the carbon 
footprint of electricity generation based on the use of 
energy sources that are less energy intensive.