Call to leverage waste to offset carbon emissions

Experts discuss decarbonisation of cement sector, explore alternative energy solutions

ISLAMABAD:

Decarbonisation of the cement sector and other industries requires strengthening of the regulatory and policy ecosystem, innovative technologies to replace carbon-intensive cement and reliable and affordable alternative energy sources like waste to energy to offset carbon emissions from the cement supply chain.

These were the recommendations stressed by experts at a special guest lecture on “Charting the course of decarbonisation drivers in Pakistan’s cement industry”.

The event was jointly organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIED), said a press release.

Ahsan Anis, a leading figure in the power sector, apprised participants about the decarbonisation initiatives being taken by his company including an FLSmidth plant with 7700 tonnes/day production capacity since 2020 to increase efficiency, investment in solar, wind, and waste-to-energy power generation for sustainable, clean and affordable energy supply.

Dr Vaqar Ahmed of SDPI stressed strengthening regulatory and policy support mechanisms to facilitate decarbonisation in not just cement but other sectors producing the construction materials, and industrial input.

Highlighting the barriers hindering the cement sector’s decarbonisation, Dr Ankita Gangotra, of the World Resources Institute underscored the importance of creating awareness of clinker substitution, and establishing performance standards to steer decarbonisation of the cement sector.

Sunil Dahiya, energy analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) remarked that lack of clarity on long-term expansion pathways for decarbonisation hinders sustainable progress.

Engr Ahad Nazir, who heads private sector engagement at SDPI, called for backing policy recommendations with a strong economic case, increasing consumer awareness to steer responsible consumption, and encouraging responsible investments to strengthen the transition.

Dr Fahim Khokhar from NUST emphasised the role of academia-industry ties for decarbonisation and carbon capture technologies, diversifying supply-chain for low-carbon products and promoting agricultural waste-to-energy for cleaner air and emission reduction.

Saleha Qureshi, a research associate at SDPI, highlighted that SDPI was conducting a study on the decarbonisation potential in the cement sector of Pakistan.

The study explores decarbonisation strategies for Pakistan’s cement industry, including energy efficiency, fuel switching, clinker substitution, reintegration, and carbon capture and storage technologies, she said.

Through engagement with cement industries, several challenges have been identified, such as cost-related issues with RDF & TDF, obstacles in manufacturing low-carbon cement, lack of consumer demand and regulatory incentives etc. Aligning with NDC targets seems feasible, yet attaining net zero is a complex challenge for the cement sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2023.