Energy EfficiencyEnergy Efficiency
The paper investigates the decarbonization of the U.S. cement industry by examining the effects of replacing fossil fuels with alternative fuels on CO2 and non-CO2 pollutant emissions. Alternative fuels considered include biomass, waste materials, scrap tires, and sewage sludge. Although these fuels reduce total CO2 emissions marginally (1%-18%), their substitution can increase certain non-CO2 emissions due to higher pollutant concentrations in the alternatives. About 73% of U.S. cement plants are partially using alternative fuels; the paper explores scenarios with 20%, 50%, and 100% replacement, comparing the environmental impacts. Findings indicate that waste oil and natural gas replacements show the greatest potential for CO2 reduction (up to 7% and 12%, respectively), while sewage sludge and scrap tires offer moderate potential. However, municipal solid waste and biomass achieve less significant CO2 abatement. Non-CO2 pollutants such as SO2 and NOx may increase or decrease depending on the alternative fuel used, with plastic waste and waste oil having the potential to significantly reduce SO2 emissions. Co-processing alternative fuels can also decrease particulate matter emissions by 8%-75%. The study acknowledges that substituting conventional fuels with alternatives can mitigate waste and possibly reduce costs. However, co-processing waste-derived fuels is unlikely to achieve meaningful CO2 reduction, particularly if biogenic emissions are not regarded as carbon-neutral. It also highlights potential adverse health and environmental impacts on local communities, underscoring the importance of emissions regulations and control technologies.
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eLITHE project ignites the future of Sustainable Ceramic Industry decarbonization
The eLITHE project, funded by the EU and coordinated by Spain's Fundación CIRCE, aims to decarbonize the ceramic industry by electrifying high-temperature thermal processes. Running until 2027, with demonstrations in Spain, Greece, and Germany, it employs innovative heating solutions and digital technologies.
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WSED 2024: Energy Efficiency now – fast, smart, resilient!
The European Energy Efficiency Conference in Wels, Austria, from 6-7 March 2024, emphasizes urgent implementation of energy efficiency measures in response to fluctuating prices, geopolitical instability, and climate crisis. It addresses new EU targets, energy efficiency market demands, and showcases the EENOVA and DEESME EU projects. Over 60 speakers will cover policies, markets, financing, e-mobility, and industrial decarbonization. The event includes a tradeshow and opportunities for peer exchange and networking.
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Revolutionizing Ammonia: The Quest for Sustainability and Efficiency in Fertilizer Production
The article discusses the environmental impact and need for innovation in the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production. It explores greener alternatives, including the use of renewable energy and nitrogen-fixing enzymes, and the development of flexible reactors and advanced electrocatalysis methods for sustainable synthesis.
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Getting to grips with the complexities of industrial decarbonisation using soft systems
The article discusses the application of the soft systems model to industrial decarbonisation, emphasizing 'contextual evaluation'. This approach examines how decarbonisation measures align with an organization's broader policies and strategies. It involves assessing technical, financial, and contextual aspects to generate new ideas and requires thinking beyond conventional energy management boundaries.
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Water & energy reuse: from waste to resource
Alufluor collaborated with the EU's iWAYS project to optimize resource recovery, focusing on reducing emissions and recycling. The initiative introduced technologies to conserve water and energy. The partnership aims to enhance sustainability in European industries without compromising economic progress.
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Key findings on digitalisation technologies to increase energy efficiency in electric motor driven systems
Worldwide, electric motor systems consume about 10,700 TWh annually worldwide and were responsible for 53% of the global electric energy consumption in 2016. This corresponds to approximately the combined electricity consumption of China. Digitalization technologies for electric motor driven systems will have a significant impact on the motor systems industry, offering vast potential for improvements in performance, efficiency, and cost.
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Energy efficient industrial pump systems: market potential, success factors and financing options
The market for energy efficient pump systems in industry is expected to reach $16.3 billion by 2025. The market is highly competitive, with a number of companies offering a wide range of products and services.
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All you need to know about advanced high temperature heating technologies for industry
In the EU alone, more than 70% of heating and cooling is generated from fossil fuels. In principle, industry can rather easily decarbonize their electricity consumption, just buy green electricity. The real challenge is how to decarbonise industrial heat.
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Bioenergy and Solid Biomass: A Renewable Solution for Industrial Heat Processes
Biomass plays a crucial role in the production of zero-carbon heat and electricity. The future of biomass in industrial applications remains promising. Some industries, such as the cement industry, have already invested heavily in adapting their processes to use biomass.
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