Preliminary analysis of combining amine absorption and calcium-looping CO2 capture in cement plant

The cement industry is responsible for approximately 7 % of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Accelerating the low-carbon transition for the cement industry is not that simple. To address this challenge, several strategies have been proposed: (i) reducing the clinker-to-cement ratio and improving energy efficiency, which can be achieved through the use of alternative fuels and raw materials, and (ii) deployment of innovative technologies. The latter can be accomplished by the implementation of carbon capture and storage, which involve capturing the CO2 from the cement production and subsequently its underground storage. Within this study, two capture methods are considered: amine absorption and calcium-looping technology, marked by high-grade heat recovery from the process, which may provide the heat for amine capture needs. Therefore, the objective is to assess the potential of combining both technologies in one reference cement plant and to conduct the preliminary analysis in terms of energy, economic and environmental performance. Obtained results indicate that specific primary energy consumption for CO2 avoided can be almost twice lower when linking both methods, 2.4 MJ/kgCO2 compared to 5.6 MJ/kgCO2 when only amine absorption is implemented. However, CO2 capture will increase the overall cost of clinker from 67 EUR/t to approximately 150 EUR/t.