Making cement from a different type of rock could clean up emissions
Summary
Cement production causes about 8% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, mainly because turning limestone into lime releases CO2. Scientists are exploring making cement from basalt rock instead of limestone, which could reduce emissions by avoiding CO2 release during the process and use cleaner energy.Key Facts
- Cement production currently produces about 8% of the world's CO2 emissions.
- Traditional cement uses limestone, which releases CO2 when heated.
- Researchers have made Portland cement from basalt, a rock without carbon.
- The basalt method involves using acid and chemical steps to extract calcium for cement.
- This new process releases water vapor instead of CO2.
- Making cement from basalt uses more energy now but could become more efficient with better technology.
- Using clean electricity could nearly eliminate emissions from cement production using basalt.
- Other minerals from basalt can be recovered and used, potentially making the process cheaper.
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