Cement industry innovations in view of climate protection
“Climate protection, digitalisation and the cement plant of the future: these are the key issues for the future of our industry, issues we are greatly committed to tackling”, VDZ President Christian Knell said at the opening ceremony of the 8th International VDZ Congress 2018 in Duesseldorf. During the three-day event representatives from the cement industry, its suppliers and the fields of science and research will discuss current technical challenges, future-related subjects and the conditions facing tomorrow’s cement production.
“The International VDZ Congress 2018 offers a unique forum to discuss the key questions on the future of cement production. We are delighted about the many valuable ideas and contributions presented by the participants”, VDZ President Christian Knell emphasised. A particular focus lies on how digitalisation affects production processes and on how the development of innovative carbon abatement technologies can meet the 2050 climate goals. In terms of climate protection specifically, however, suitable boundary conditions would have to be created. Ongoing trends in European emissions trading and the rapidly increasing price of CO2 were already today leading to considerable costs for cement manufacturers. “To be able to realise our efforts in terms of climate protection and at the same time not lose competitiveness, we need research policy-related support for our investment in breakthrough technologies and the corresponding demonstration projects”, Knell said.
The International VDZ Congress hosts a number of plenary and parallel sessions investigating key issues of the industry’s future. The ‘Keynotes’ examine innovation and technology trends in cement production and in the construction industry as well as routes towards decarbonisation by means of carbon abatement technology. ‘Digital Measures and Projects’ takes a closer look at challenges and opportunities for the cement industry presented by Big Data and digital transformation processes. Other presentations cover new technology processes for reducing emissions, the latest trends in cement grinding, kiln technology and the development of new and innovative cements. “The range of subjects is indicative of the global challenges we as the cement industry are facing. Our industry is well equipped to address these upcoming tasks proactively and play its part in shaping the future”, Knell continued.
The VDZ congress has been an internationally acclaimed forum for the cement industry, its suppliers and the field of science since as early as 1971. The congress offers representatives from all over the world an opportunity to meet with scientists and experts of international renown and to discuss the key future issues of the cement industry.
18 German cement manufacturers with a total of 46 cement plants are members of VDZ. In Germany, the industry generates an annual turnover of a good 2.7 billion euros and employs approx. 8,000 people.
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