Decarbonization of Cement Industry in Mexico

Cement production is one of the most energy-intensive and highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting manufacturing processes. In fact, the cement industry alone accounts for around 7% of total anthropogenic CO2 emissions in the world. Mexico is the 11th largest cement producing country in the world producing 51 million tonne (Mt) of cement in 2021. Around 87 % of the energy used in Mexico’s cement industry is fossil fuels dominated by petroleum coke, natural gas and coal.

Global Efficiency Intelligence, LLC has partnered with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to conduct a study to analyze decarbonization potential for the Mexican cement industry. In this study, we look at the current status of cement production in Mexico and we analyze different technologies pathways under major decarbonization pillars that can help to reduce CO2 emissions of cement industry in Mexico. We include five key major decarbonization pillars in our analysis: energy efficiency, fuel switching, clinker substitution, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and alternative binding materials. We quantify the potential CO2 emissions reduction under different scenarios for adoption of these technologies.