Decarbonisation pathways for the cement industry

Abstract

This thesis aims to develop an energy transition scenario for the cement industry using a simulation model that models energy flows to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The model's decarbonisation pathways are constructed with assumptions about the country's socio-economic conditions, energy efficiency, fuel share, and technology share. The modelling focuses on decarbonising thermal energy use by substituting fossil fuel use with low carbon fuels such as biomass, hydrogen, and electricity. Depending on the assumptions in scenarios, fossil fuel use gets phased out rapidly or slowly. It is also assumed that electricity used for the cement industry gets decarbonised over the years with an increase of renewables. Results show that the role of different energy carriers in different mitigation pathways depends on the assumptions taken for decarbonisation. In the short term, fossil fuels have an important role in the transition to alternative fuels. In the medium to long term, the role of alternative fuels is high as fossil fuels begin to phase out. The role of electricity and hydrogen is moderate as electric, and hydrogen kilns are introduced later and do not take a high share in clinker production. Furthermore, alternative fuels and CCS technologies are crucial for countries to pursue low carbon pathways.