Capturing CO2 from cement plants: A priority for reducing CO2 emissions in China

• Roles of energy efficiency, non-fossil energy and CCS are analyzed for China's climate policy design.
• CO2 reduction potential of applying carbon capture to China's cement manufacturing is assessed.
• Cost of capturing CO2 in China's cement production is calculated and compared to power plant.
• CCS could contribute to 57% reduction of emissions in China's cement production by 2030.
• Cost of capturing CO2 from cement is 5–20% lower relative to that of coal-fired power generation.

CCS (carbon capture and storage) plays an indispensable role in the technology roadmap of CO2 emissions control for China as a coal-dependent country. China is the world's largest cement producer, and capturing CO2 from China's cement production should be a critical component of the overall strategy for reducing carbon emissions. In this study, we investigate the roles of the three carbon abatement technologies, i.e., energy efficiency, alternative energy, and CCS, in China's CO2 reduction strategy. We examine the potential contribution of implementing CCS in China's cement production facilities by establishing three emission scenarios, and assess the capture cost of three capture schemes. The results show that CCS could reduce 57% of emissions from this industry by 2030, and the cost of capturing CO2 from cement production is 5–20% lower relative to that of coal-fired power generation depending on the different capture technologies implemented. Here is still an urgent need to accelerate the implementation of an industrial pilot and demonstration in China. To facilitate the practical implementation application process and increase the impetus for investment, related climate regulations and market designs must be completed.