European energy company Vattenfall has signed a letter of intent with Cemvision for the development and future supply of Cemvision’s near-zero emission cement.
They said Cemvision’s new cement has the potential to emit 95% less carbon dioxide that traditional cement by 2030.
Cemvision chief executive Oscar Hållén said the company had already cut its cement’s emissions by 80%, and more reductions were on the way.
It makes cement from recycled mining and steel waste, and heats it in kilns fuelled by fossil-free energy.
Vattenfall said it could be used to make foundations for wind turbines and prefabricated concrete elements.
“Both Vattenfall and its subcontractors could become important new customers for this innovative new product,” Vattenfall said.
Oscar Hållén added: “Near-zero emission cement is the most efficient way to achieve significant climate benefits without increasing the overall cost of a construction project. It does not have to be difficult to change, but it is important to start in time and help accelerating the transition.”
Vattenfall’s head of sustainability Annika Ramsköld said her company wanted to help develop a market for near-zero emission cement by creating demand.
She said Vattenfall could also help with product verification at its concrete laboratory.
“The global impact of cement production makes it necessary to find a way forward with as low carbon emissions as possible, the climate and the future of construction demand it,” she said.
As a member and founder of the First Movers Coalition (FMC), Vattenfall has pledged that at least 10% of its cement or concrete purchases will be “as close to zero emissions as possible” by 2030.
Making Portland cement contributes emits 850kg of carbon emissions per tonne of cement.
FMC members are committed to buying cement or concrete that falls below 184 kg CO2e/tonne.
Cemvision says its new cement is expected to be 45kg CO2e/tonne.
- Sign up to our free email newsletter to get construction stories from around the world sent to your inbox three times a week.
Further reading:
