Decarbonization Avenue : Decarbonizing cement industry

Innovation Insights

Use of volcanic rocks for cement production

Cement production accounts for 8% of global emissions, and it will rise as nations get richer and build more. It’s mainly because of the energy needed for the high heat process, and the carbon released from the limestone used. Studies have found that replacing limestone with volcanic rocks significantly reduces the emissions as no carbon is released during the chemical process. It also requires low operating temperatures.

Lava concrete is not prone to shrink-cracking than regular concrete because it is so dry when installed, meaning that less water has to evaporate in the cure.

Relevant for

  • Material sciences professional

Innovation sector

  • Energy efficiency

Web Resources

Stanford University’s perspectives on use of volcanic rocks in cement production to minimize energy use and GHG emissions

01-07-2015

Source: Stanford University

Website : Link

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Industry


Stanford research on use of volcanic rocks for cement production

01-06-2021

Source: Stanford University

Website : Link

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Industry


Early-strength lightweight concrete made of volcanic rock

01-04-2020

Source: Burkhard Schuller Baustoffservice

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MIT study says volcanic ash reduces the energy required to manufacture concrete

01-02-2018

Source: MIT University

Website : Link

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Domain

Energy Efficiency

Type of innovation

Core sciences & engineering

Stakeholders

University researcher

Corporate researcher

Industry

Cement