New approaches and materials could help the cement industry transition toward a carbon-free future. Looking ahead, players that take a strategic approach to emerging technologies may gain an advantage in mitigating their ecological impact.
Decarbonizing the Cement Industry Has Never Been More Critical
Globally, cement accounts for around 7 percent of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—one of the largest carbon footprints of any sector. Worldwide cement production volumes are expected to remain stable until 2050, which means the industry must take active steps today to reduce emissions.
However, cement is particularly difficult to decarbonize because it directly releases CO₂ during the chemical processes involved in its production. New decarbonization solutions are emerging—from the application of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in clinker production to innovative materials and alternative cement-like solutions. Yet, these innovations will significantly shift value within the industry. As new business models emerge, different players and technology providers will compete for market share.
The Path Toward a Greener Cement Industry
The cement and concrete industry has set new goals to reduce and eventually eliminate emissions, such as those defined by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). These targets aim for a 20 percent reduction in CO₂ per metric ton of cement and a 25 percent reduction in CO₂ per cubic meter of concrete by 2030, compared with 2020 levels. The GCCA’s ultimate goal is full decarbonization by 2050.
Over recent decades, cement producers have turned to traditional levers to cut emissions, such as improving fuel efficiency and replacing clinker and traditional fuels with more sustainable alternatives. However, to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, annual capital expenditures will need to nearly double, averaging around USD 60 billion per year between 2021 and 2050.
Several factors could help ease this cost burden. For example, cement manufacturers may benefit from green premiums. Our analysis suggests that in the short term, the supply of low-carbon cement is unlikely to keep up with rising demand from end users with ambitious CO₂ targets—especially in Europe. This will likely drive short-term green premiums for cement. Demand is already increasing in several markets; for instance, Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies is capturing premiums for its new products, and Cemex is achieving similar results with its low-carbon concrete products. As more low-carbon materials become available—particularly in Europe—these premiums are expected to decline.
Innovative Pathways to Achieve Net-Zero
There are four particularly promising pathways to effectively address the most carbon-intensive aspects of cement production and reduce its use in concrete. Although some of these solutions still require further development to scale, each offers significant reduction potential.
Low-Carbon Clinker Enabled by CCUS
Clinker, an intermediate binder used in cement, is a fundamental component of cement products—but its production process is highly emissive. Low-carbon clinker leverages CCUS technology to capture and manage carbon emissions before they are released. CCUS is currently the only known technology that addresses process emissions from clinker production. Many clinker producers are already focusing on implementing CCUS, but these technologies often come with high costs and have yet to be proven at industrial scale.
In some regions, traditional operators are exploring ways to retrofit existing assets—an approach that can make sense where transport and storage capacity are available, along with sufficient space at existing plants. Moreover, low-carbon clinker enabled by CCUS could become mainstream through the construction of new net-zero megaplants in favorable markets. These include regions in the United States with access to low-cost renewable energy and support from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as well as parts of Europe with renewable resources, CO₂ sinks, favorable regulations, and export capacity across the continent.
Source: Fuente: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/destacados/cimentar-el-liderazgo-la-industria-cementera-en-la-transicion-a-las-cero-emisiones-netas/es
