Comparative life cycle assessment of conventional and solar-driven calcination systems for cement production

Comparative life cycle assessment of conventional and solar-driven calcination systems for cement production

The environmental impacts of the solar-driven (SOLPART) calcination process have been compared with the conventional calcination process via life cycle assessment. The results estimated by the University of Manchester show that, compared to the conventional process, the SOLPART calcination system has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 40% and the fossil energy use by 57%. This is due to the SOLPART system utilising solar thermal power as a substitute for fossil fuels.