Process and current status
The present Cement, Lime and Magnesium Oxide (CLM) BREF has been adopted in 2013 and does not include the more recent and cleaner production routes. The reference plant information dates back to pre-2008, meaning it is outdated by at least 17 years.
Its review is foreseen to start in 2027, despite its reviewed version overdue to be published by 2021 if complying with the 8 years review cycle mandate of the Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive (IED 2.0).
The EEB believes there is a solid case to start the review of the CLM BREF as soon as possible, see input made at the 19th IED Forum in April 2024 [link doc in folder] on the EU BREF Work programme.
Main environmental issues and discussion points on BAT / BATAE(P)Ls
The production of cement, lime, and magnesium oxide is highly intensive in terms of materials, energy use, and associated pollution. Globally, the cement industry accounts for approximately 7% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Within the EU, cement production via the clinker route represents about 8% of all stationary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), while limestone processing and the calcination of dolomite and magnesia contribute an additional 2%.
Alongside the iron and steel sector, cement ranks among the worst-performing industries on the EU Industrial Emissions Portal. While emissions from the energy sector are expected to decline significantly due to the EU’s coal phase-out policies, the cement industry remains a major source of air pollution—particularly from clinker production. This process is especially intensive in terms of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and mercury emissions.
At the global level, the cement industry has committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest, with some key players aiming to deliver earlier—by 2030—not only through reductions in GHG emissions but also by generating significant co-benefits in air pollution prevention within Europe.
Decarbonisation is a clear priority. Globally, the benchmark for Portland cement (CEMI) stands at approximately 881 kg CO₂ equivalent per tonne. In the EU, average emissions from cement production range between 500 and 800 kg CO₂ per tonne.
The technical options under consideration include:
- Process changes, primarily the substitution of the clinker process with less pollution-intensive alternatives such as clay, carbon-free calcium silicate rocks, or other Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)
- Replacement of fossil-based feedstocks used in the firing and calcination processes with more sustainable alternatives.
- End-of-pipe carbon capture solutions, such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
The main suggestions by the EEB for the future BAT conclusions are hence the following:
- To focus on transitioning away from clinker-based processes, and on substantially reducing the clinker-to-cement ratio. Readily available alternatives in cement production (e.g. Hoffmann Cement H-IONA) could lower the GHG footprint to 161 kg CO₂ equivalent per tonne of cement. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are readily available and enable a lower clinker-to-cement ratio, thereby significantly reducing environmental impacts.
- To further identify Best Available Techniques (BAT) for reducing the environmental impact of clinker-based cement production, for example through the substitution of fossil-based inputs—particularly by using renewable energy—and through electrification.
- To develop an ambitious phase-out plan for fossil-based production routes.
- To revisit and update the obsolete BAT-AELs for pollutant emissions to air from kiln firing, setting dust levels <5mg/Nm³ (performance associated with the implementation of fabric filter technology), NOx emissions levels <200 mg/Nm³ (the wide uptake of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology in the sector suggests that far lower levels are achievable), and mercury levels <10μg/Nm³.
How can you make a difference?
The EEB would wish to kick start the review of the outdated CLM BREF as soon as possible. The main focus should be on transitioning away from clinker-based processes, on substantially reducing the clinker-to-cement ratio, and on increasing the share of renewable energy use.
The following information would thus be appreciated:
- data from demonstration or commercially operating plants (worldwide) that showcase best-in-class pollution prevention performance—including GHG emissions reductions—achieved through the use of such alternative cement production processes.
- information on ‘deep industrial transformation’ commitments implemented by frontrunner operators, such as those outlined in installation-level Transformation Plans (to be) developed under Article 27e of the IED 2.0. This may include plans for substituting fossil-based feedstocks, process electrification action plans, disclosed investment scales, and defined interim progress indicators.
The EEB is a member of the Alliance for Low-Carbon Cement & Concrete (ALCCC).
CONTACTS
Christian.Schaible@eeb.org; aliki.kriekouki@eeb.org; jai.krisna@eeb.org