Feasibility study points to decarbonisation of cement production

The cement industry accounts for eight per cent of global carbon emissions due to its reliance on energy and cost-intensive industrial processes. Now, CATAGEN and Mannok engineers have identified several routes to help decarbonise cement production at Mannok’s Cement Plant in Ballyconnell, Ireland, which produces one million tonnes of cement annually.

The potential to generate renewable hydrogen and oxygen from CATAGEN’s HGEN (renewable hydrogen generator) aided by waste heat recovery from the cement process is said to represent a decarbonisation opportunity across the cement industry. The study has determined that the use of the HGEN technology could reduce annual carbon emissions by seven per cent in this application.

The same study found that biohydrogen generation from waste biomass can generate larger volumes of hydrogen with less renewable energy required compared to electrolytic hydrogen generation. The use of BIOHGEN technology could reduce the carbon intensity of cement produced at this site by a further 18 per cent by reducing fossil fuel use. In a statement, CATAGEN said its biohydrogen technology uses a source of waste biomass that does not displace the growing of crops for food.

The solutions identified in this study could be applied to cement production worldwide where sufficient renewable energy and sustainable biowaste are available.

Dr Andrew Woods, CEO and Co-Founder at CATAGEN, said: “We are delighted that Mannok engaged CATAGEN in this important study, which showcases how we can support the decarbonisation of heavy industries, such as cement production.

“This is one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise and pioneering companies such as Mannok are looking at next-gen technologies to meet emissions targets and impact climate change.

Dr Woods added: “Collaborations like this are the only way to make significant changes for the future and continue to progress CATAGEN’s purpose to clean and decarbonise the air. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Mannok.”