The Spanish cement sector and the ETS 2005-2007
The last three years, the cement industry has efficiently supported the National CO2 emissions Trading Scheme to fulfill the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol and has achieved its objectives. In fact, over the last six years, the sector has cut 2,7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions thanks to the 600 million Euros invested in environmental protection.
In 2005, 400.000 million tonnes of CO2 have been cut, in 2006, 1 million tonne and in 2007, 1.3 million tonnes. The cement sector has been able to achieve these results thanks to the implantation of modern technologies in plants favoring the energy consumption and CO2 emissions reduction.
The industry’s performance and commitment on renewable energies (biomass) is continually reducing CO2 emissions. Use of alternative fuels reduces the overall carbondioxide emitted from coal and petrol while lowering the percentage of CO2 produced per tonne of cement manufactured.
Over the last three years, fossil fuel substituted by biomass compounds (partial or total) use has cut down 783.846 CO2 emissions. In fact, 220.403 tonnes of CO2 were reduced in 2005, 273.712 in 2006 and 289.731 in 2007.
The sector is a pioneer in recycling and reusing industrial waste thanks to R+D studies to substitute raw materials for decarbonated, partially or totally, materials thus cutting down emissions in the cement fabrication process.
In brief, in 2005-2007 the sector has reported progress in clinker production while reducing CO2 emissions. The average emission performance during 2005-2007 was 0,859 kg CO2/ tn clinker. The overall effect is a 4,7% reduction compared to 2001-2004 emissions.
