Full life cycle emission reduction potential of ultra-low emission transformation in China's cement industry

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2024-04, Vol.447, p.141644, Article 141644
• Main Authors: Hou, Shiyu, Wang, Yanchao, Ning, Miao, He, Jie, Zhong, Yuezhi, Zheng, Yixuan, Lei, Yu, Zhu, Tianle, Huang, Zheng-Hong, Wang, Xianen, Yan, Gang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: air quality; cement; Cement industry; China; Clean transportation; desulfurization; Emission reduction potential; industry; inventories; nitrogen oxides; Organized emission; particulates; pollutants; sulfur dioxide; transportation; Ultra-low emission transformation
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141644

China accounts for more than 50% of the global total cement production, the emission of pollutants in the cement industry occupies a large proportion of the industries. Some provinces have first carried out in-depth treatment of the cement industry, and the national level will also introduce an implementation plan for ultra-low emission transformation of the cement industry to promote continuous improvement of China's air quality. In this work, a pollutant emission inventory covering the full life cycle of the cement industry, including organized emission, unorganized emission and transportation, was established based on pollutant discharge permit, Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) database and field investigation. And, the emission reduction potential of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) after the implementation of ultra-low emission transformation in cement industry was evaluated. The results show that the existing dedusting, desulphurization and denitration technologies can control the concentrations of PM, SO2 and NOx below 10 mg/m3, 35 mg/m3 and 50 mg/m3, respectively. The emission reduction potential of PM, SO2 and NOx in cement industry is 259.54 kt, 14.98 kt and 607.04 kt, corresponding emission reduction ratio is 37%, 24% and 64%, respectively. In addition, this work reveals the spatial characteristics of pollutant emission level and emission reduction potential of the cement industry, which is conducive to the rational layout of ultra-low emission transformation, and push forward the transformation task by area and stage. [Display omitted] •The full life cycle emission inventory of China's cement industry was established.•Cleared the accessibility of treatment technology through CEMS data and field research.•The transport distance of raw materials and products was clarified by transport matrix.•The spatial characteristics of pollutant emission levels in cement industry were revealed.•The full life cycle emission reduction potential of pollutants after ULET was calculated.