VDZ press releases

Carbon footprint remains a challenge for the cement industry

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 08:02:00 +0200

In the period between 2015 and 2017 alone, the German cement industry invested more than half a billion euros in machinery and equipment and in the environmental technology in their plants, in particular. For example, it was possible to further reduce emissions by utilizing modern emission control technologies. In this way, even the new, reduced, 200 mg/m³ limit value for nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) can be reliably met by the cement manufacturers.

The reduction of the clinker factor in cement still offers potential to circumvent CO₂ emissions. For example, new types of cement, with a clinker content between 35 and 64%, have been developed. However, these cements can only be used when the EU Commission has published the revised and harmonised EN 197 European cement standard. The rules for use must be adapted in the concrete standard at the national level. "Here, all those involved in the construction value chain are ultimately challenged to bring the low-clinker cements to the market for use," VDZ President Knell emphasises.

However, industry decarbonisation, as envisaged in order to achieve the climate goals, will only be possible with completely new technologies. Against this backdrop, the cement industry has been working intensively on carbon capture in recent years under the umbrella of the European Cement Research Academy (ECRA). It may therefore now be possible to initiate the appropriate industrial-scale testing in the context of demonstration projects. "However, it currently remains unclear to what extent the CO₂ from the production process can be used or stored for other purposes," explains Knell. Above all, there is still a lack of a suitable CO₂ infrastructure to which the cement plants could also be connected. Here, all stakeholders from society, politics and industry will need to cooperate to find joint solutions.

15 German cement manufacturers with a total of 46 cement plants are members of VDZ. The industry as a whole generates an annual turnover of around 2.8 billion euros and employs approx. 8,100 people in Germany.

Please find VDZ’s Environmental Data 2018 attached or at https://vdz.info/9layl.

We would welcome the inclusion of this VDZ press release in your media coverage and would be pleased to receive a specimen copy.

Please contact:

Dr Johannes Pohlkamp
Marketing and Communication
johannes.pohlkamp@vdz-online.de; www.vdz-online.de/en
Phone: +49-211-45 78-229
Fax: +49-211-45 78-296

Cement consumption 2018 slightly increased by 0.4 percent

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 09:17:00 +0200

"There has been an upward trend on the German cement market for four years now, thanks in particular to the positive development in the apartment block sector," is how VDZ President Christian Knell explains the rise in cement consumption in Germany. Last year, 120,000 tonnes more cement were used than in 2017. "This means that growth has declined significantly compared to previous years, but given the tight capacities along the construction value chain, this is hardly surprising," says Knell.

According to the official data now available, domestic demand for cement was almost completely covered by German-based manufacturers last year. Only 1.5 million tonnes or 5.3% of the cement required had to be imported in 2018. Compared to the previous year, this figure has remained relatively stable, but the official data is still provisional. In contrast, cement exports rose by 1.5%, according to the Federal Statistical Office, to approx. 6.3 million tonnes.

Despite the tight capacities, the industry continues to see itself in a stable overall position for both the current and the coming year. "Because the construction industry is currently still able to increase employment, we expect cement consumption to also increase slightly in 2019," continues Knell. In addition, construction demand remains high. The slight decrease in planning permissions is likely to be offset by high order backlogs and projects that have not yet started.

Cement consumption in Germany is made up of domestic cement deliveries from German cement manufacturers and cement imports. VDZ obtains its information on cement imports and exports from the foreign trade data of the German Federal Statistical Office.

15 German cement manufacturers with a total of 46 cement plants are members of VDZ. The industry as a whole generates an annual turno-ver of around 2.8 billion euros and employs approx. 8,100 people in Germany.

We would welcome the inclusion of this VDZ press release in your media coverage and would be pleased to receive a specimen copy.

Please contact:

Dr Johannes Pohlkamp
Marketing and Communication
johannes.pohlkamp@vdz-online.de; www.vdz-online.de/en
Phone: +49-211-45 78-229
Fax: +49-211-45 78-296

Workshop on the prerequisites for CO₂ infrastructure in North Rhine-Westphalia

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 09:21:00 +0200

Participants at this workshop will consider which prerequisites would make the establishment of CO₂ infrastructure in NRW beneficial and necessary. Findings from various disciplines and the perspectives of different stakeholders will be taken into account here. “It is not enough to consider these issues from the technical viewpoint alone. Instead, we also need to address economic framework conditions and societal concerns at an early stage,” says Martin Schneider.

The workshop will deal with the following focal areas: CO₂ reduction technologies in cement and steel production, and regional and international prospects for CO₂ management in NRW will be presented in the “CO₂ sources and sinks” subject module. After this, experience with “CO₂ storage and transport/infrastructure” in Germany and “Planning and legal framework conditions” will be the focus. The module of “Societal awareness and prerequisites” will then deal with the important question of the societal acceptance of CO₂ transport and CO₂ storage.

The European Cement Research Academy (ECRA) and VDZ have been carrying out research for the cement industry for over ten years on suitable technologies for CO₂ capture. “Thanks in part to these efforts, a number of carbon capture processes have already been developed to such an extent that we will soon be able to test them on a full scale,” explains Dr Martin Schneider. The sector is also currently involved in various so-called power-to-X projects in which the capture of CO₂ and its use in the form of fuel is to be tested over the coming years.

IN4climate.NRW is a platform for industry, science and politics in NRW that is working to develop strategies for climate-neutral industry. It was initiated by Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy (MWIDE) of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. VDZ is supporting the IN4climate.NRW initiative as a link to the cement industry and is also a partner in the initiatives scientific competence centre SCI4climate.NRW.

15 German cement manufacturers with a total of 46 cement plants are members of VDZ. In Germany, the industry generates an annual turnover of over 2.8 billion euros and employs around 8,100 people.

Further information on the workshop is available in German at https://vdz.info/8leq0.

Cement industry innovations in view of climate protection

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:53:00 +0200

“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 CO₂were 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.

We would welcome the inclusion of this VDZ press release in your media coverage and would be pleased to receive a courtesy copy.

Contact:

Dr Johannes Pohlkamp
Communication and Media
johannes.pohlkamp@vdz-online.de; www.vdz-online.de/en
Phone: +49-211-45 78-229
Fax: +49-211-45 78-296

VDZ President Christian Knell at the VDZ Congress 2018

Cement industry continues to invest heavily in environmental protection

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:44:00 +0200

The ongoing optimisation of cement production has brought about major improvements in terms of environmental protection. For example, it proved possible to reduce average nitrogen dioxide emissions (NO₂) to below 300 mg/Nm³ in 2017. The value has thus been more than halved since 2000.

Further progress is also being made with regard to cutting CO₂ emissions. "By consistently promoting the development of clinker-efficient cements, German cement manufacturers are noticeably reducing the carbon footprint as compared to traditional Portland cements", explains VDZ President Knell. The use of alternative fuels, some with high biomass content (e.g. used tyres, sewage sludge), also makes a contribution towards lowering CO₂ emissions. In 2017 for instance, only 35 per cent of the fuel energy employed in the industry as a whole came from fossil energy sources, which means around 2.3 million tonnes less coal. In other words, today almost two thirds of the thermal energy demand is covered by alternative fuels. These are however not just energy sources, they also serve as direct raw materials for cement clinker in the form of combustion ash.

Raw material-related process emissions occurring during cement production are however a limiting factor for the further reduction of CO₂ emissions. This is why, together with their European partners from industry and science, German cement manufacturers are conducting research into suitable carbon capture, storage and utilisation techniques. The intention is to put the carbon capture process to the test in the course of two industrial-scale demonstration projects. "Although the cement industry is making a significant contribution itself, it is dependent on external financing as well", explains Knell. The higher costs associated with carbon capture must not however be allowed to jeopardise the competitiveness of domestic cement manufacturers and give rise to undesirable carbon leakage effects.

18 German cement manufacturers with a total of 46 cement plants are members of the VDZ. In Germany, the industry generates an annual turnover of a good 2.7 billion euros and employs approx. 8,000 people.

You can download the 2017 Environmental Data in PDF form here.

Contact:
Dr Johannes Pohlkamp
Communication and Media
johannes.pohlkamp@vdz-online.de; www.vdz-online.de/en
Phone: +49-211-45 78-229
Fax: +49-211-45 78-296

Significant 4.8 % rise in cement consumption in 2017

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 13:32:00 +0200

VDZ President Christian Knell explains the rise in cement consumption in Germany as follows: "Since 2015 there has been an upward trend on the German cement market thanks to the positive developments in the building construction and civil engineering sectors." In 2017 over 1.3 million more tonnes of cement were used than in the year before. "This growth can primarily be attributed to higher investments in new construction work. But one-off effects such as good weather conditions were also significant factors," says Knell.

According to the figures now available, domestic demand for cement was almost completely covered by German-based producers last year. Only 1.6 million tonnes or 5.4 % had to be imported. This figure has increased slightly compared to the preceding years. The same applies to cement exports, which rose by 1.6 % to a total of around 6.2 million tonnes according to the German Federal Statistical Office.

The industry sees itself in a stable overall position in the current year. "Potential for growth is still evident in certain construction sectors. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to exploit this as we are reaching capacity limits in the construction industry," adds Knell.

Cement consumption in Germany is made up of domestic cement deliveries from German cement manufacturers and cement imports. VDZ obtains its information on cement imports and exports from the foreign trade data of the German Federal Statistical Office. 18 German cement manufacturers with a total of 46 cement plants are members of VDZ. The industry as a whole generates an annual turnover of around 2.7 billion Euros and employs approx. 8,000 people in Germany.

We would welcome the inclusion of this VDZ press release in your media coverage and would be pleased to receive a specimen copy.

Please contact:

Dr Johannes Pohlkamp
Communication and Media
johannes.pohlkamp@vdz-online.de; www.vdz-online.de/en
Phone: +49-211-45 78-229
Fax: +49-211-45 78-296

Environmental Data of the German Cement Industry 2016: high investments in environmental protection

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 14:30:00 +0200

Action to reduce NO_x emissions on the one hand comprises primary abatement measures such as optimisation of plant operation. On the other, extensive research is undertaken to test innovative exhaust gas cleaning technology under the particular conditions applicable during cement production. As a result, what is referred to as SCR technique has been brought to industrial maturity. Also, ongoing optimisation of cement production has resulted in the specific fuel consumption dropping to 2,763 MJ/t cement in 2016 (1994: 3,000 MJ/t cement).

In terms of reducing CO₂ emissions, the cement industry has also achieved impressive progress. In 2016, fuel energy obtained from conventional fossil fuels dropped to as low as 35.2 percent. Overall, the share has been cut by more than half since 2000 (74.3 percent). In addition, all cement manufacturers are investing in the development of clinker-efficient cements that produce a smaller CO₂ footprint than classic Portland cements.

On top of this, German cement manufacturers and their European partners from industry and science have now for six years been researching suitable methods for separation, storage and use of CO₂ (carbon capture and storage, carbon capture and utilisation). The result is that CO₂ capture can now be tested at industrial scale. “Even though the cement industry will be shouldering a significant share of investments, it is of decisive importance that the project obtains external research grants”, Knell says. Increased costs for CO₂ separation must not ultimately jeopardise the competitive power of domestic cement manufacturers or lead to undesirable carbon leakage effects.

VDZ comprises 19 German cement manufacturers, with a total of 47 cement works. The sector generates an annual turnover of around 2.5 billion euros in Germany, and employs approx. 7,900 people.

Here you can download the Environmental Data of the German Cement Industry 2016.

Contact:
Dr Johannes Pohlkamp
Communication and Media
johannes.pohlkamp@vdz-online.de; www.vdz-online.de/en
Phone: +49-211-45 78-229
Fax: +49-211-45 78-296

3.2 % increase in cement consumption in 2016

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 13:00:00 +0200

"Housing, traffic infrastructure and non-residential construction – the momentum for the German cement market came from all the relevant sectors of the building industry," is how VDZ President Christian Knell sums up the development of cement consumption in 2016. In Germany, the construction industry used around a million tonnes more cement than in the previous year. "This growth can be primarily attributed to the high level of building activity. But the good weather conditions of course also had a positive effect on cement consumption," says Knell.

According to the figures available, almost the entire domestic demand for cement was covered by German manufacturers last year. Only 1.3 million tonnes or around 4.8 % of the cement required had to be imported in 2016. In comparison to the preceding years this figure has remained largely stable. By contrast, exports of cement and clinker dropped slightly by 1.5 % – totalling about 6.5 million tonnes according to the German Federal Statistical Office.

The industry views the current year with optimism. "We can see further potential for growth in the areas of both housing and infrastructure projects, and we are expecting the positive development of cement sales in Germany to continue in 2017," adds Knell.

Cement consumption in Germany is composed of domestic cement deliveries from German cement manufacturers and cement imports. VDZ obtains its information on cement imports and exports from the foreign trade data of the German Federal Statistical Office. 19 German cement manufacturers with a total of 47 cement works are members of the German Cement Works Association. The sector generates an annual turnover of around 2.5 billion euros in Germany and employs approx. 7,900 people.

Contact:

Dr Johannes Pohlkamp
Communication and Media
johannes.pohlkamp@vdz-online.de; www.vdz-online.de/en
Phone: +49-211-45 78-229
Fax: +49-211-45 78-296

Christian Knell was elected as the new President of VDZ today

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 20:00:00 +0200

With Christian Knell in charge, VDZ will continue to be run by an experienced representative of the cement industry. Knell has been Vice-President of VDZ since 2012 and has been working in the industry for more than 25 years. The main driving forces in his new role as President will be the technological development and innovation along the full value chain of cement and concrete. "We have made great progress in recent years but our aim is to further improve our processes and products”, says Knell.

Founded 140 years ago as the German Cement Works Association, VDZ is today also a competence centre for cement and concrete with a strong focus on research. Based in Duesseldorf, VDZ provides its services to the cement industry worldwide.

Christian Knell

Klaus Dyckerhoff Prize awarded for the fifth time: Professor Dr.-Ing. Siegbert Sprung honoured for his life’s work

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 22:00:00 +0200