Multi-Case Study on Environmental and Economic Benefits through Co-Burning Refuse-Derived Fuels and Sewage Sludge in Cement Industry

The use of waste as an energy source in cement clinker production is a promising way to transition toward a circular economy and limit carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. The cement industry is responsible for around 5% of global CO2 emissions. In this paper, the analysis of environmental and economic profits associated with the substitution of coal by two refuse-derived fuels (RDF) and sewage sludge (SS) in a cement kiln was presented. Differences in the fuel-related CO2 emissions were calculated for two-, three-, and four-component fuel blends based on the fuel consumption data, heating values, and the correspondent emission factors. The biogenic fraction content of 19% and 43% were measured in RDFs. The material balance of fuels with the assumed technological parameters of the cement clinker production installation (capacity of 6000 Mg per day and unit heat of 3.6 GJ) shows that the RDF heat substitution at the level of 90% allows for a saving of approximately 28.6 Mg per hour of coal, and to manage even approx. 40 Mg per hour of RDF. The increase in the share of SS in the total heat consumption to 6% contributed to reducing the actual emissions by 17 kg of CO2 per 1 Mg of clinker. Multilateral benefits due to the use of RDF in the cement plant were evident.

Automated summary

This paper presents the analysis of environmental and economic benefits of using waste as an energy source in cement clinker production. The study shows that substituting coal with refuse-derived fuels and sewage sludge can reduce carbon emissions and bring multiple benefits.