The World Cement Association CEO Ian Riley has welcomed the decarbonisation plan announced by China and says other countries should follow its example.
China recently announced that it was setting specific carbon emission reduction targets for the cement industry. Riley praised the cement clinker plan to slash achieve ultra-low emissions by 2025, and 80% nationwide by 2028.
“China’s plan aims for half of the cement clinker production in key regions to achieve ultra-low emissions by 2025, and 80% nationwide by 2028. The China Cement industry performance in both NOx and dust emissions is world-leading and has demonstrated what can be done to reduce these emissions. Other countries with serious air pollution problems should take note,” he urged.
Riley continued: “According to an action plan by the National Development and Reform Commission, from 2024 to 2025, China aims to cut CO2 emissions by 13 million tonnes through industrial upgrades in cement production.
China’s cement industry emits around 1.4 billion tonnes of CO2 per year. Demand is expected to decline by 5-10% per year through 2023, so the lower production volumes are forecast to lead to an emission reduction of at least 70 million tonnes per year of CO2.
“Many Chinese cement companies are investing in improved energy efficiency and increased use of alternative fuels,” said Riley. “The announced reduction target of 13 million tonnes in 2025 amounts to 1% of emissions we expect this target to be achieved.
“The plan stated that by the end of 2030, China’s cement industry is expected to achieve world-class energy efficiency and optimize its energy consumption. According to our ‘Pegasus’ benchmark data, Chinese cement plants are already operating at world-class levels of energy consumption. The one area where China has clear room to improve is in the use of alternative fuels.”
