Thanks to numerous studies by world institutions, we know for sure that CO2, which is a greenhouse gas, is one of the main enemies of the Earth’s ozone layer. The effect of carbon dioxide on the ozone shell slows down the production of new ozone molecules, gradually thinning its layer in the stratosphere. As a result, it becomes more and more difficult for the natural protective screen to reflect harmful ultraviolet rays, and we, the lucky inhabitants of the planet, risk getting a burn or cancer just by going outside for a few minutes on a sunny day.
Obviously, such negative changes in the atmosphere cannot be ignored. And as part of the fight against the harmful effects of CO2 on the ozone layer, various programs are being developed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This trend has not bypassed the sphere of production of building materials.
Catch me if you can
Cement is a component of most building mixtures, including concrete, which is the 2nd most demanded building material in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that in every corner of our planet you can find a plant for the production of this material, which regularly releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, gradually bringing us closer to the Apocalypse.
CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) carbon capture technology is developed to minimize the damage from carbon dioxide emissions by keeping it out of the atmosphere. According to the British analytical agency IHS Markit, it is this “knight in shining armor” that is able to save mankind from “burnout” in the long term.
Store, use or sell
Surprisingly, the technique involves not only neutralizing the negative effects of CO2, but also the opportunity to benefit from this chemical element. However, first you need to catch him. For this, technologies based on amines, special membranes or oxygen fuel are used.
From the very name of CCUS, it becomes clear that it is able to offer several options for the further use of carbon dioxide:
- immediately after capture, the gas is transported to enterprises of the chemical / petrochemical, medical, agricultural industries, etc.;
- after compression to a supercritical level, sCO2 is obtained, which can later be used for laboratory tests, in manufacturing, etc.;
- conservation and long-term storage in geological formations “on demand”.
Considering the value of carbon dioxide for a variety of professional industries, its regular accumulation and further processing at cement production sites can be an excellent alternative source of income.
Annoying “BUT”
Despite all the positive aspects of using CCUS technology, there is one serious pitfall. And it lies in the cost of implementing this technique. According to rough estimates, the price of cement at an equipped plant approximately doubles, which cannot suit the owners of such enterprises. Therefore, research on the implementation and practical application of CCUS does not stop for a minute in order to reduce the cost of technology.
However, according to the forecasts of European analysts, by 2035 it will be possible to transfer most of the continent’s producers to “green” cement. And the main leverage here is the abolition of quotas for CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. So, one way or another, most companies will have to think about planet healthful. And it is better to start thought processes now.