Overview
- University of British Columbia researchers reported an electrochemical route at about 60°C that makes belite precursors and reduces kiln heat needs by roughly 70%.
- Using recycled waste cement as the feedstock, the UBC team measured about 20 kilograms of CO2 per ton of output, or about a 98% drop from typical levels.
- The UBC process generates hydrogen during electrolysis, which the authors say could supply heat for the low-temperature kiln step.
- A UC Santa Barbara and Brimstone Energy study proposed using basalt and other calcium-rich silicate rocks to make Portland cement with less than 60% of today’s energy and over 80% lower process CO2 in theory.
- The silicate pathway cites abundant surface basalt and potential iron and aluminum by-products, while noting the need for scale-up, resource access checks, and industry validation before broad adoption.