The cement industry is often considered a hard-to-abate industry when it comes to achieving net zero emissions. This is due to the perception that it requires a 100% cost increase or more to achieve net zero, the technology required for net zero is sophisticated and expensive, and the net zero pathway can have a net negative impact on the business unit, adding a burden that many companies may not be able to bear.
However, there is a business reality in the cement industry that cannot be ignored, there are other pathways that can be taken to reduce the industry's carbon footprint. Approximately 30% CO2 footprint reduction can be achieved at no investment, while approximately 50% CO2 footprint reduction is achievable through cost reduction initiatives. This is a significant opportunity for the cement industry in the MENA region and many similar cement plants around the world.
Cement is a complex industry that requires in-depth knowledge and expertise to identify effective solutions and successfully implement initiatives. It takes years of experience to gain a thorough understanding of the industry and its unique challenges, on the other hand, being the second most abundant material on earth accounted for 8% of global emissions, the role of the cement industry in decarbonization cannot be understated. The industry plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change, as even a 1% reduction in CO2 emissions in a 4,500 TPD cement plant for one year is equivalent to the impact of 4,046,376 liters of gasoline consumed per year, 1,729 homes' electricity use for one year, 404,225 trash bags recycled per year, and 11,685 acres of forest. The cement sector is currently at approximately 860 kg CO2/t cement, but it is possible to move down to 480 kg CO2/t cement with a minimum investment and adding a positive impact to NPL in most countries of the region, this is how significant is the ole cement can play in the path to net zero.
The cement industry in MENA has a competitive opportunity to achieve net-zero emissions, but it requires a proper roadmap to get there. The A³&Co.® decarbonization roadmap is designed to reduce carbon emissions and reduce costs. It aims to achieve a 47% reduction in CO2 emissions, reaching the EU benchmark in two years with minimum investments. The targets set for 2030 can be achieved by implementing solutions that are available today and have been successfully implemented in the cement industry, such as operational excellence solutions, product portfolio optimization, waste heat recovery (WHR), refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and biomass.
The industry can also achieve an extra 10% reduction in CO2 emissions through the use of calcined clay or belite cement. However, this requires reshaping cement and concrete standards, which can be a significant challenge.
Furthermore, further CO2 reduction can be achieved through the use of second-generation oxyful, carbon capture and utilization (CCU), and hydrogen fuel technologies. These solutions still require higher investments and research and development (R&D) efforts that will support the roadmap actions beyond 2030.
Achieving net-zero emissions in the cement industry is challenging but achievable. By following a comprehensive net-zero roadmap that considers available technologies, investments required, and the industry's best interests, the industry can reduce its carbon footprint significantly and maintain a competitive edge. The A³&Co.® Decarbonization Roadmap adopted by the World Cement Association is carefully designed to take realistic action towards contributing to the fight against climate change, reducing carbon footprint and reducing costs.