Towards a business case for CO2 mineralisation in the cement industry

The cement industry, an industry characterised by low margins, is responsible for approximately 7% of anthropogenic CO2e emissions and holds the highest carbon intensity per unit of revenue. To encourage complete decarbonisation of the cement industry, strategies must be found in which CO2e emission reductions are incentivised. Through integrated techno-economic modelling the study shows that CO2 mineralisation of silicate minerals, storing CO2 in solid form, can reduce CO2 emissions by 8–33% while generating additional profit of up to €32 per tonne of cement. Two conditions are paramount for positive business cases: the resulting products must be used as a supplementary material in cement blends, and the storage of CO2 in minerals must be eligible for emission certificates or similar. Mineral transport distance and product composition are decisive factors.