Low-Carbon Cement: Technological and Production Impacts of Clinker Factor Reduction

The impact of the cement industry on the environment is undeniable, and therefore it is necessary to look for options and ways to minimize this impact as much as possible. A promising solution is the use of alternative fuels as a replacement for fossil fuels and the greatest possible degree of recycling and use of secondary raw materials. The paper focuses on the proposal of an alternative recipe for a specific cement produced in a cement plant in Slovakia with the aim of preparing low-carbon cement by optimizing the clinker factor. The proposed recipes were compared primarily in terms of technological and production parameters. The environmental impact was assessed only from the perspective of reducing the proportion of clinker. The results of the work show that reducing the clinker factor has a positive impact on the resulting environmental impact of the product, but the negative side of this approach is an increase in electricity consumption and a decrease in the amount of produced cement, that negatively affect the production process and reduce the competitiveness of the cement plant. However, the use of alternative grinding additives may offer a promising solution to improve grinding efficiency, allowing for increased production rates and lower energy demand despite reduced clinker content.