Carbon emissions mitigation methods for cement industry using a systems dynamics model

Cement production contributes significantly to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), a major contributor to global carbon emissions. The environmental impacts of cement production have grown in recent years and it is urgent to reduce its carbon footprint. Systems dynamics (SD) is a simulation method used to understand the nonlinear behavior of complex systems over time. It is commonly used in various sectors to predict emissions and conduct policy experiments. Due to the poor implementation of carbon mitigation strategies within the cement industry, enhancing policymaking by employing more advanced decision-support tools is necessary. This paper reviews previous studies that use the SD approach to assess and compare different mitigation strategies proposed and implemented to reduce carbon emissions in the cement industry. These strategies encompass technological advancements and process improvements, including using alternative fuels and raw materials (adopting low-carbon cementitious materials), energy efficiency improvements, carbon capture and storage and waste heat recovery. The review examines the papers' scope, model descriptions, validation method and mitigation methods highlighted in each study, providing valuable insights for decision makers in the cement industry. Furthermore, the paper discusses the limitations and gaps related to SD modeling, highlighting important factors such as stakeholder engagement in designing effective carbon mitigation strategies. The reviewed studies constantly emphasized technical strategies for mitigating carbon emissions from the cement industry, as stated by the International Energy Agency (IEA) classification. Innovative and emerging technologies, such as WHR, depends on adequate funding, motivation and research and development. However, they frequently neglected to address the barriers hindering their implementation or provide detailed policy measures to overcome them using SD. Additional research is required to assess the practicality and costs of implementing these strategies. Graphical abstract: Navigating the way to sustainability in the cement industry: Exploring mitigation strategies through systems dynamics model (Figure presented.)