Dangote Reveals: Cement Industry Sparks 7% of Global Emissions

InfoStride News reports that the cement industry, responsible for seven percent of global carbon emissions, as stated by Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, faces significant environmental challenges. Speaking at the 12th Africa Cement Trade Summit in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Pathak highlighted the extensive carbon footprint of the cement value chain, involving energy-intensive processes from raw materials’ extraction to final product dispatch.

Pathak emphasized the critical need for controlled energy usage, as each stage of cement production contributes to CO2 emissions. The firing process during clinker production in the kiln, in particular, stands out as a major source of emissions. Dangote Cement, once the world’s largest bulk cement importers, has transitioned to self-sufficiency and even become a net exporter of cement to other countries. In response to environmental challenges, the company has adopted a fuel substitution strategy, reducing its carbon footprint.

In a paper titled “Utilisation of Alternative Fuels as a Strategy for Sustainable Cement Production in Africa,” presented at the summit, Pathak discussed the imperative of decarbonization. He highlighted the effectiveness of alternative fuels, such as municipal, agricultural, and industrial wastes, in reducing emissions when compared to fossil fuels. Agricultural biomass, in particular, was noted for being carbon neutral.

Dr. Igazeuma Okoroba, the Group’s Head of Sustainability, represented Pathak at the summit. Okoroba stressed the importance of including alternative fuels in the industry’s fuel mix to address climate change concerns, especially with global cement consumption reaching 4.2 billion tonnes in 2020 and expected to grow due to population increase and rapid urbanization.

Pathak acknowledged that, amidst global climate shocks, decarbonization is not just an option but a necessary strategy to future-proof businesses. He emphasized the need for businesses to establish clear short-, medium-, and long-term targets and decarbonization strategies for each transition phase.

Dangote Cement’s commitment to sustainability reporting was highlighted, with the company reporting to the CDP since 2020. The ratings improved from an initial C to a B+ in 2022 as the company implemented measures to reduce its carbon footprint. The focus on fuel substitution has already yielded positive results, showcasing lower environmental impact compared to conventional fuels.

While recognizing that emissions challenges will persist, Pathak expressed optimism that the cement industry can contribute to tackling climate change. Additionally, Dangote Cement’s approach to waste management aligns with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, treating hazardous waste through cement kilns.

Pathak concluded by noting that, beyond waste management, alternative fuels serve as a lever to decarbonize cement manufacturing processes. He highlighted various options, including improving the energy mix, increasing the use of transitional fuels, enhancing efficiency in cement production, design optimization, and leveraging CO2 sinks such as reforestation and renewable energy for power generation.