CO2 capture and sequestration in the cement industry

Abstract

The cement industry is coming under increased scrutiny for its CO2 emissions. The industry has reduced its CO2 footprint through energy efficiency measures, reduction of clinker factor, and the use of alternative fuels. However in a carbon-constrained world, more significant reductions are anticipated and thus CEMEX has been investigating the deployment of CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies for its own cement plants. The goal of this paper is to present the groundwork for the development and demonstration of a commercial-scale CCS project at one of CEMEX Inc.’s U.S. cement plants. The first part of this paper presents the criteria to determine the most suitable CO2 capture technology in an integrated CCS system for a cement plant. The second part of this paper summarizes how CO2 sequestration potential in proximity to one of CEMEX’s cement plants was a critical factor in determining the suitability to host a commercial CCS demonstration. Findings of this work showed that the development and demonstration of a commercial-scale CCS in the cement industry is still far from deployment. Retrofitting a very compatible CO2 capture technology for the cement industry is a limiting factor for early implementation of CCS. A pilot phase under actual cement plant flue gas conditions is a must to develop this technology to a commercial level. Uncertainties regarding the level of CO2 purity for transportation, geological sequestration, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) warrant further investigation.