Today, the cement industry faces a monumental challenge: reducing its massive carbon footprint, as it accounts for 8% of global emissions while building the infrastructure of our modern world.
Unavoidable, deeply rooted in the process, and increasingly regulated, these emissions represent a real challenge for the industry. And this is where small molecules can make a difference. To support cement manufacturers in achieving their decarbonization objectives, Air Liquide has centered its strategy on oxygen and hydrogen, and on carbon capture technologies.
To produce cement, limestone and clay must be heated to very high temperatures. Pure oxygen (or hydrogen) can be injected into the rotary kiln. By replacing atmospheric air, they concentrate thermal energy, allowing the kiln to efficiently burn low-calorific alternative waste fuels instead of traditional coal. This process reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 20% without affecting clinker production capacity.
To address the ultimate decarbonization challenge, Air Liquide deploys its proprietary Cryocap™ OXY technology. This system captures CO₂ directly from the concentrated flue gases emitted by the furnace during oxy-combustion, trapping it using cryogenics so it can be safely stored or upcycled into new materials.
The result is immediate. Cement manufacturers drastically cut emissions without compromising production quality, thanks to the great power of Air Liquide's essential small molecules.