Groundbreaking new technology could quickly reduce cement industry emissions by 70%

Ecocem has announced an important new step that will substantially reduce emissions from the cement industry. Under the name ACT, Ecocem is offering a technology that will allow the cement industry to reduce its CO₂-emissions can reduce them by seventy percent and help limit global warming to 1.5°C, a commitment set forth in the Paris climate agreement. Donal O'Riain, founder and managing director of Ecocem, said, "Technology is no longer an obstacle to reducing emissions. For everyone to reap the potential benefits of ACT, industry and policy makers must work together."

ACT is a breakthrough cement technology that combines a number of technical innovations using common low-carbon materials. This allows the CO₂-emissions from cement production are reduced by up to 70%, while also improving the strength and durability of the concrete into which it is incorporated. ACT technology is fully scalable and can be deployed worldwide. ACT does not require large investments or modifications to the production process, making it suitable for all existing cement plants, where the technology can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively.

First commercial applications in 2023

ACT is the result of ten years of innovation in sustainable, low-carbon and affordable cement technologies. ACT has been subjected to extensive technical validation and has now proven itself in industrial trials. After obtaining CE marking in 2023, the first commercial applications will be brought to market. ACT is expected to be available in 2025 for all European markets where Ecocem operates (France, United Kingdom, Benelux, Ireland).

To rapidly reduce global emissions from the cement industry, Ecocem will work with leading cement producers and make the technology as widely and commercially attractive as possible. Widespread adoption of ACT is essential for achieving the 1.5°C standard, and Ecocem aims to intensify cooperation with the cement industry. Far-reaching discussions have already taken place with interested parties; more will be known soon.

New report charts urgency

ACT's launch coincides with the publication of a new report, which highlights the urgency of short-term solutions to reducing cement emissions. 'Cement: bigger ambitions, lower emissions,' commissioned by Ecocem, shows the scale of the problem that needs to be solved. The report shows that the cement industry is currently responsible for over 7% of total global CO₂-emissions. That's more than the total emissions from aviation, shipping and long-haul trucking combined. The report looks at how various solutions to the CO₂-problem of the cement industry, can stimulate innovation. However, it also shows that without industry cooperation and rapid implementation of new scalable solutions, halving emissions by 2030 is impossible.

Donal O'Riain, founder and managing director of Ecocem, said, "ACT is an important new cement technology that is cost-effective and globally deployable, as well as providing significant emissions reductions. It is a huge challenge for the cement industry to significantly reduce CO2 emissions over the next decade. Technology is no longer an obstacle to reducing emissions. For everyone to reap the potential benefits of ACT, industry and policy makers must work together. The cement industry is entering an exciting time that we have not often seen before."

"But the stakes are high," continued O'Riain. "That's why we are eager to work closely with both the cement industry and policymakers on the development of a new generation of low-carbon cement. Current policies on reducing cement emissions have now been overtaken by technology. For effective implementation of ACT, policy makers must contribute effectively and not just focus on CCUS as the primary technology for emissions reduction."

The complete report "Cement: bigger ambitions, lower emissions" is available in English with a Dutch foreword by Pat Cox, former president of the European Parliament and a Dutch-language management summary.

The report is available here download

There is also a special ACT page with more information about this groundbreaking technology.

www.ecocemglobal.com/act