Carbon capture systems for the cement industry

The cement industry does not need a reminder that it is among the most carbon-intensive sectors in the world. Roughly 7-8 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are tied to cement production. And unlike many other heavy industries, a large share of these emissions come not from fuel but from the process itself: the calcination of limestone. Efficiency gains, fuel switching, and renewable energy integration can reduce part of the footprint. But they cannot eliminate process emissions.

This is why carbon capture and storage (CCS) has become central to every serious discussion about cement’s pathway to net zero. The industry already understands and accepts this challenge. The debate is no longer whether CCS will be required—it is about how fast, affordable, and seamlessly it can be integrated into facilities that were never designed for it.

In many ways, CCS represents the “last mile” of cement decarbonization. Once the sector achieves effective capture at scale, the most difficult part of its emissions profile will have been addressed. But getting there requires navigating a complex mix of technical, operational, financial, and regulatory considerations.