JOURNAL: Finding least-cost net-zero CO2e strategies for the European cement industry using geospatial techno-economic modelling
Summary
Authors:
Till Strunge
Lukas Küng
Nixon Sunny
Nilay Shah
Phil Renforth
Mijndert Van der Spek
Heriot-Watt University
Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam
Technische Universität Berlin
Imperial College London
Finding least-cost net-zero CO2e strategies for the European cement industry using geospatial techno-economic modelling
RSC Sustainability
September 2024
The UK and other countries have pledged to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. This means that all industrial sectors need to transition towards a situation without emitting CO2 and other gases that heat our atmosphere. One example is the cement industry, which emits roughly 7% of all global CO2 emissions. Since we cannot do without cement, we need to find options to abate cement greenhouse gas emissions without excessively high costs. This research developed a mathematical model/toolkit that is able to design optimal technical interventions and supply chains for industrial sectors that need to decarbonise. With this toolkit, companies and policy makers can plan how to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions in the most cost-effective way.