choice
Reinhard Ringdorfer, Unitherm Cemcon GmbH, outlines the benefits for cement producers converting to complete or partial natural gas firing.
T
he production of cement is one of the most emissions-intensive industrial processes, with 600 to 700 kg of CO2 produced for every one ton of cement. Globally, cement production accounts for approximately 5% of man-made CO2 emissions. Most of the CO2 generated comes from the decarbonisation of limestone, which is the main raw material in cement production. Only a small percentage of the total CO2 is produced as a result of the fuels used. While secondary fuels are considered
to be climate neutral, the CO2 from the primary or fossil fuels is subject to carbon tax. Therefore, it is in the best interest of cement producers to reduce the CO2 emissions resulting from the fuels used. The amount of CO2 produced during cement production is directly related to the carbon content of the fuel, while the heat content is determined by both the oxygen and carbon content of the fuel. When fuel is burned, heat is released as carbon and hydrogen are combined with oxygen.
33
