FAQ

An innovative large-scale CO₂ emissions avoidance project in Greece that will spearhead the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries

The process involves capturing CO₂ emissions before they are released into the atmosphere, and either utilizing the CO₂ in various applications or safely storing it.

 

CCUS allows us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, such as cement, offering a viable pathway towards meeting global climate goals and transitioning to a net-zero economy.

When it comes to cement production, there are several types of mature carbon capture technologies we are developing or assessing to give us maximum flexibility across our global footprint. They broadly fall into one of the following two categories:

 

 

Post-combustion technologies

 

These solutions capture CO₂ in the exhaust gas of a traditional kiln system at the “end of the pipe.” The most advanced post-combustion solution is based on liquid solvents such as amines, e.g. monoethanolamine solution (MEA). The CO₂ in the exhaust gas is absorbed by the solvent, and the CO₂-rich liquid is then sent to the regenerator where the CO₂ is released in a concentrated form. The solvent is reintroduced to the absorption column. Other post-combustion approaches include CO₂ separation by membranes and adsorption processes.

 

 

Integrated processes

 

Integrated processes such as oxyfuel or the electrification of clinker manufacturing or calcination of raw materials are possible alternatives to pure post-combustion capture. We are currently engaged in various site-specific investigations to develop integrated concepts. In the oxyfuel approach, air for combustion in the cement manufacturing process is replaced with oxygen. This prevents nitrogen forming in the system and generates a concentrated CO₂ exhaust stream.