Potential energy savings and CO2 emissions reduction of China's cement industry

► This study models output and efficiency improvements in Chinese cement industry from 2011-2030. ► Energy savings and CO2 emission reductions estimated for 3 scenarios relative to frozen scenario. ► Results reveal cumulative final energy savings potential of 27.1-37.5 EJ and 3.2-4.4 Gt CO2 reductions. ► Increasing efficiency is the most important policy for reducing cement energy and emissions intensity.