Overview
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is expected to play a critical role in reducing hard-to-abate emissions in the cement and lime industry. Australia currently has no large-scale demonstration of CCUS technologies and connecting infrastructure and transport requirements are yet to be developed. This project combined desktop study, industry engagement, workshops and site visits to develop a roadmap for CCUS for the production of low emission cement and lime in Australia and identify priority technology options and further research needs.
Project Details
Firstly, the project reviewed the latest national and international technology development on CCUS with a particular focus on the application in cement and lime production. Secondly, through working with industry, the project identified Australian cement and lime plants which can adopt CCUS technologies. Thirdly, a screening and preliminary assessment of CCUS technologies was carried out to shortlist the promising technology options; Fourthly, with support of techno-economic assessment, the project identified priority technology options and further research needs and developed the technology roadmap for production of low emission cement and lime in Australia.
Identified Pathways
The technology roadmap developed in the project identified the general pathways for reaching net-zero emissions in the Australian cement and lime sector in terms of CCUS technologies.
Outcomes
The project provided a review of global research and development on CCUS technologies which are relevant to the cement and lime sector and listed global CCUS projects in the sector. Australian cement and lime plants which may adopt CCUS technologies were identified. Screening and preliminary assessment selected the following technologies for further analysis: capture technologies including post combustion capture based on liquid absorbents, calcium looping and cryogenic processes and Calix’s LEILAC for retrofit applications; CO2 conversion to fuels, chemicals and carbonates; CO2 transport by pipeline and shipping for geological storage. Review of literature work on techno-economic analysis of capture technologies showed that the selection of technologies will be site specific and depends on many factors including technology maturity, space requirement, availability and cost of additional utilities such as electricity and heat.
Next Steps
Knowledge sharing and learning by doing between industry and researchers nationally and internationally will underpin the implementation of the CCUS technology roadmap. Desktop study (such as a feasibility study) and pilot plant demonstration of selected carbon capture technologies for Australian plants is recommended and should leverage Australian expertise. Innovative CO2 utilisation technologies which suit Australia should be explored, aiming to provide an alternative option for emission reduction and financial benefit. Further research to establish CO2 transport and storage options is required in order to cover the whole CCUS chain in the cement and lime sector and help the sector to reach net-zero emissions.