Emissions Impacts of Alternative Fuels Combustion in the Cement Industry

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.

Hydrogen is emerging as a potential solution for combating climate change. But there is a need to differentiate between green hydrogen—produced renewably, essential for certain industries—and less sustainable forms like grey, black, and blue hydrogen, which have significant carbon footprints. Pink hydrogen, though less harmful, presents nuclear waste challenges.

Europe advances smart mobility, driven by sustainability and urbanization challenges. EU policies promote electric and autonomous transport, integrating innovations like IoT, MaaS, and AI. Case studies from Barcelona, Stockholm, and Amsterdam highlight smart solutions reshaping urban travel, setting global benchmarks.

Space-based solar energy (SBSE) overcomes terrestrial solar power limitations, offering continuous, efficient energy. Despite high costs and ecological concerns, advances in technology and interest from ESA and CALTECH's SSPD indicate its promising potential for sustainable energy.

We need to triple global energy efficiency investment to meet COP28 goals. ESCO contracts can bridge the development gap by managing both technical and financial risks, fostering demand, and increasing financing capacity. Innovations like Super ESCOs, CaaS, LaaS, and standardized contract forms like EPCs can accelerate growth, but require policymakers, professionals, and financiers to align efforts for broad market scaling.

The Horizon-Europe IS2H4C project, coordinated by Devrim Murat Yazan, University of Twente, and funded with 23.5 million euros, aims for systemic industrial symbiosis across Europe, targeting zero emissions and sustainable practices in various industries through innovation and the collaboration of 35 partners.

The EU's Artificial Intelligence Act, following a three-day negotiation, aims to integrate AI into the European market, balancing innovation with fundamental rights protection. The act's risk-based approach sets stringent rules for high-risk AI applications, excludes certain AI uses, and provides specific law enforcement exceptions. It establishes a governance system, including an AI Board, and introduces penalties for violations. The legislation will take effect two years post-enactment, with a focus on transparent and responsible AI development.

The DEESME project, under EU's Horizon 2020, aids SMEs in energy efficiency endeavours, countering technical, financial, and awareness barriers. It provides a multi-layered approach to align SMEs with EU goals, offering policy recommendations and strategies to effectively implement Article 11 of the Energy Efficiency Directive.

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.