New report finds huge waste heat recovery potential in emerging country cement sector

(0-nothing, 2 Jul 2014) A new report just released shows that there is huge potential to cut energy use through waste heat recovery in cement production.

The report, Waste Heat Recovery for the Cement Sector: Market and Supplier Analysis , analyzes the current status of WHR in developing countries and investigates the success factors in countries where it has become widespread – with a focus on 12 countries including Brazil, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Turkey and China. The report was commissioned by IFC (International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group) and produced by IIP, Institute for Industrial Productivity a non-profit focusing on energy efficiency in industry.

Cement is currently the world’s most widely-used construction material and the industry has a significant environmental footprint due to the extensive amounts of energy and raw materials used in the process. Waste heat recovery  (WHR) provides an elegant solution to cutting energy use and emissions in the sector.

Key findings from the report include:

  • WHR is a proven technology, but until now uptake has been limited except in China.
  • Regulatory measures and lower capital costs have been key factors behind China’s success in mainstreaming WHR technology.
  • WHR can reduce the operating costs and improve EBITDA margins of cement plants by about 10 to 15 percent.
  • WHR can improve the reliability of power supply for cement facilities.
  • There is a clear business opportunity in using WHR, but financing is key to realize the untapped potential.
  • There is strong potential for WHR in Asia and Latin America as well as in Africa and the Middle East.

You can find the report on IFC’s website