Assessment of the decarbonization pathways of the cement industry in Uzbekistan

Cement production is one of the key industries responsible for emissions of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), which influence climate change. In order to reach zero carbon cement industry, various deep decarbonization pathways involving carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCSU), using low-carbon material and fuel, optimal process control, and waste heat utilization techniques must be implemented. As for the example of Uzbekistan, approximately 30 facilities generate more than 17 Mt of cement annually and are responsible for 11.3% of the country's total CO₂ emissions. In this study, decarbonization pathways for cement plants in Uzbekistan including CCSU, use of alternative fuels, electrification, and waste heat integration techniques are compared based on existing challenges and opportunities. The availability of alternative fuel and material resources suitable for the total production capacity, the comparison of post combustion, pre-combustion, and oxyfuel combustion CCSU methods for the cement plant, and the use of energy-efficient technologies are discussed.