HydrogEn Expo 2024 offers a glimmer of hope for decarbonization of cement

Decarbonising the cement and concrete sectors was a key theme at GIC 2024 in April, with 57% of exhibitors indicating that sustainability is their customers’ top concern. Now, Mediapoint & Exhibitions, the GIC organiser, is returning to Piacenza Expo in September with HydrogEn 2024, an event dedicated to the production, transport, storage and use of hydrogen, including in cement production.

From September 11 to 13, more than 170 exhibitors will showcase products and services for the entire hydrogen ecosystem, with innovative solutions to help cement manufacturers, among participants from other sectors, implement hydrogen technologies as an effective CO reduction strategy.₂.

How does hydrogen contribute to greener cement?

Hydrogen is a promising alternative to coal or natural gas for fueling cement kilns, where the main raw materials are heated to form clinker. This process is energy intensive and requires extreme temperatures that are difficult to achieve using electricity alone. Demonstrating the potential environmental benefits of hydrogen as a fuel for cement production, a 2022 study found a significant 44% reduction in CO emissions₂ compared to traditional coal-based methods, because hydrogen burns cleanly, producing only water vapor. To simplify supply, this hydrogen could be produced on-site with renewable electricity.

Hydrogen could also serve as a reducing agent in raw materials used for cement, allowing producers to use less clinker while still achieving the desired properties for the final product. This would result in CO emissions₂ reduced, because the CO₂ is released as a by-product of the chemical reaction in clinker production and when the kiln is fired with fossil fuels. A study published in March this year estimates that using a lower clinker-to-cement ratio would reduce CO emissions₂ by 9 to 15%. This reduction would result in a considerable decrease in atmospheric carbon given the still high volumes of cement production worldwide.

Finally, hydrogen could be integrated into carbon capture processes in cement plants, such as oxycombustion or anaerocombustion, in order to capture CO emissions.₂. This CO₂ captured could then be recycled into the production of synthetic fuels or building materials, contributing to a more carbon-neutral production process. A 2022 report found that with a capture efficiency of 95%, these carbon capture methods could reduce lifecycle CO emissions₂ cement production by almost 70%.

Cement production accounts for nearly 8% of global CO emissions₂, of which 35% of sources are energy-related and 66% are process-related, and with demand for cement continuing to increase, hydrogen offers significant potential for decarbonising the sector. By reducing both emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, hydrogen can contribute to a more sustainable future for the cement sector and the planet.

Solutions presented at HydrogEn Expo 2024

At HydrogEn Expo 2024, cement industry visitors will meet a range of specialist exhibitors offering valuable resources for integrating hydrogen into cement production. Attendees will find expert advisors on safety regulations and permitting processes for hydrogen use, as well as highly efficient electrolysers designed to facilitate cost-effective on-site production of green hydrogen. Hydrogen transport and storage solutions will also be showcased, providing a reliable supply chain for cement plants that do not produce their hydrogen on-site. In addition, exhibitors will showcase advanced carbon capture technologies.

In addition, the event will feature a comprehensive conference programme, details of which will be announced soon. By attending HydrogEn Expo and exploring these key areas, cement manufacturers can gain essential insights and meet solution providers to effectively integrate hydrogen into decarbonisation strategies.

For Fabio Potestà, director of Mediapoint & Exhibitions: “While large-scale green hydrogen production and its use in cement kilns remain challenges, we are encouraged by the progress made by major cement manufacturers as they begin to experiment with hydrogen as part of their decarbonization. We are delighted to facilitate meetings between cement industry leaders and hydrogen experts at HydrogEn Expo 2024 in September, stimulating cooperation in the development, application and sustainability of technologies.”

The HydrogEn Expo will take place from September 11 to 13, 2024 at Piacenza Expo, Italy.