A Co-production system of cement and methanol: Unveiling its advancements and potential

Abstract

Both the cement and methanol sectors face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon emissions to combat climate change. Coupling the production process can provide economic and environmental benefits when implementing breakthrough technologies in these industries. The advantages and application potential of the co-production system need to be assessed quantitatively in long-term decarbonization pathways. This study proposes a co-production system of cement and methanol that capitalizes on strong complementarity through bidirectional material flow. Multi-regional planning models are established to evaluate the spatiotemporal deployment of low-carbon technologies, including coupling technologies. The results demonstrate that the co-production system can achieve a 6.6% higher emissions reduction and a 21.2 % lower production cost of clinker by 2060 compared to implementing breakthrough technologies separately. The co-production routes may be widely distributed across China by 2060, accounting for 24.1 % of clinker output and 54.7 % of methanol output. Introducing coupling technologies can influence the industrial layout and trade patterns of China's cement and methanol sectors, carrying policy implications for the deployment of low-carbon technologies.