Historical trend and decarbonization pathway of China's cement industry: A literature review

Abstract

The cement industry is one of the most energy- and carbon-intensive industries in China, and it is difficult to attain deep decarbonization toward carbon neutrality. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the historical emission trend and future decarbonization pathway of China's cement industry, in which the opportunities and challenges of key technologies, carbon mitigation potential and co-benefits are examined. The results showed that from 1990 to 2020, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions of China's cement industry experienced a growing trend, while air pollutant emissions were largely decoupled from cement production growth. Between 2020 and 2050, China's cement production may decrease by over 40 %, and CO₂ emissions will decline from 1331 Tg to 387 Tg under the Low scenario given a combination of certain mitigation measures, including energy efficiency improvement, alternative energy sources, alternative materials, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology, and new cement. Before 2030, carbon reduction under the low scenario is determined by factors including energy efficiency improvement, alternative energy sources, and alternative materials. Afterward, CCUS technology will become increasingly imperative and conducive to deep decarbonization of the cement industry. After implementation of all the above measures, 387 Tg of CO₂ will still be emitted by the cement industry in 2050. As such, improving the quality and service life of buildings and infrastructure as well as the carbonation of cement materials has a positive effect on carbon reduction. Finally, carbon mitigation measures in the cement industry can provide air quality improvement co-benefits.

Keywords: Alternative energy sources; Alternative materials; Carbon capture, utilization and storage; China's cement industry; Decarbonization pathway; Energy efficiency improvement.