Can solar energy be used in cement production?

Recently the use of solar energy in cement production has drawn significant research and scientific interest. Licht et al. (2012) developed a method for cement production, which results into near zero CO 2 emissions.

Can solar clinker be used for cement production?

For the first time ever, CEMEX and Synhelion successfully connected the clinker production process with the Synhelion solar receiver, producing solar clinker. This revolutionary innovation is an initial step to develop fully solar-driven cement plants.

Will Cemex & synhelion develop fully solar-driven cement production?

Cemex and Synhelion have made significant progress in their joint effort to develop fully solar-driven cement production. They have scaled their technology to industrially-viable levels, enabling the continuous production of clinker, the most energy-intensive part of cement manufacturing, using only solar heat.

What is the primary energy source used in cement plants?

The primary energy source used in cement plants is fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum coke and natural gas. These fuels are combusted in kilns to provide the high temperatures necessary for clinker formation. The combustion of fossil fuels results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO 2) into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Will Cemex & synhelion build a pilot cement plant?

Cemex and Synhelion will now take further steps toward constructing a pilot cement plant powered by solar energy. Fernando A. González, CEO of Cemex, stated, "I am convinced we are getting closer to the technologies that will enable net-zero CO₂ cement and concrete production.

Should cement plants be solarized?

Typically, more polluting solid fuel sources, such as petcoke, are used in several cement plants. However, NG was selected as the cleanest possible choice among fossil fuels (Fadayini et al., 2021) to compare the potential of solarizing cement plants with the "best case" scenario.