According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the production of cement and concrete is responsible for approximately 7% of the global CO2 emissions This makes it one of the most important industries in terms of contribution to human activity, which makes it one of the most important industries in terms of contribution to human activity, which makes it one of the most important industries in terms of contribution to human activity. climate change.
In this context and in an effort to reduce their impact, several suppliers are revolutionizing this industry by exploring new processes, chemicals and raw materials. Some solutions are even aimed at converting cement and concrete production in carbon-negativeoffering significant hope for the fight against the disease. global warminghighlights World Economic Forum.
These initiatives are exploring new processes, chemicals and raw materials with the aim of drastically reducing the carbon emissions associated with the production of these critical building materials.
State-of-the-art technology
A prime example is the pilot plant at Brimstone in Nevada, which is utilizing state-of-the-art technology to produce conventional Portland cement and supplementary cementitious materials. The latter, derived from carbon-free siliceous rocknot only reduce the need for clinker in the cementbut they also generate magnesium residues that absorb the CO2 permanently from the atmosphere.
Projects such as the First Suppliers Hub of Sublimein the United States, are also setting the standard by employing electrochemical processes innovative ways to convert non-carbonate rocks into hydraulic cement using renewable energy. This technology significantly reduces the energy and calcination emissions associated with cement production.
In addition to Brimstone and Sublime, companies such as CarbonBuilt, Chement y Fortera are leading the charge toward a more sustainable cement and concrete industry. CarbonBuilt projects, for example, are succeeding in decarbonizing concrete production by replacing cement with an alternative low-carbon binder that chemically reacts with the captured CO2, storing it permanently.
The incorporation of recycled materials is also gaining ground in this transformation. Companies such as Saferock in Norway and Cemvision in Sweden are developing cement products with low CO2 emissions using mine tailings and materials rich in calcium oxide of other industries.
Carbon sequestration
The carbon capture, utilization and storage technology (CCUS) is emerging as a crucial component in the reduction of the CO2 emissions associated with clinker production. The GCCA estimates that CCUS could contribute 36% to the reduction of CO2 emissions by 2050.
Ultimately, the decarbonization of cement and concrete requires a combination of approaches, from the extension of existing technologies to innovation in new processes, technologies and materials.
These initiatives offer the hope that the cement and concrete industry from being a significant source of carbon emissions to be a key solution in the fight against the climate change.
Source: World Economic Forum