Carbon Capture, Storage and Ultilisation
Carbon capture, storage and utilisation (CCSU) is a process whereby carbon dioxide is captured and then transported to storage or for use. While the CCSU concept is complex and highly capital intensive, it is recognised as a key technology required to deliver net zero emissions from many industrial sources during this century.
Cement plants are well suited to carbon capture due to the high carbon dioxide concentration of the flue gas which is less polluted by other environmental emissions relative to other industrial sources.
Investigations are underway into possible uses for captured carbon dioxide, including as a raw material for the process and/or as marketable building materials.
Given that around a third of the emissions from our industry are process emissions related to the chemical transformation of limestone, CCSU is expected to play a significant role in reducing cement emissions across the globe over the longer-term.