CO₂ emissions

Unavoidable process emissions

In the clinker making process, CO₂ emissions are being released from two sources:

Combustion: In the pre-heating tower and the kiln. Combustion accounts for roughly 1/3 of the emissions.

Chemical process: In the kiln a process takes place known as calcination where the limestone (calcium carbonate) is being transformed to calcium oxide (lime), which then reacts with the other constituents from the raw material to form new minerals, collectively called clinker. This near-molten material is rapidly cooled to a temperature of 100 - 200°C. During this process step roughly 2/3 of the CO₂ emissions are being released, those are unavoidable process emissions.

The aim of the capture technology is to concentrate the CO₂ present in the flue gas of the process and bring this concentration up to more than 90% so it can be compressed, transported and stored.

Clinker production emits CO₂:

From combustion (due to fuels injected into the preheating tower and kiln burner);

In the process (unavoidable and caused by the chemical reaction transforming limestone into calcium oxide and CO₂)

Clinker production emits CO₂ from combustion and in the process

Unveiling cement plant processes
and levers to decarbonize cement

How cement is made

The Antoing site is a clinker plant and clinker is the primary ingredient of cement. When combined with aggregates and water, cement transforms into concrete.

Learn more

Levers to decarbonize cement

The company continuously invests in its plants to improve their performance, in order to reduce the overall heat content needed to burn clinker which has positive impact on our CO₂ emissions.