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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]