The utilisation of green hydrogen has the potential to facilitate further reductions in CO₂ emissions in the energy-intensive cement. The economic challenge is that the energy-related price of green H₂ is not yet competitive compared to fossil fuels. In addition, there are significant scientific and technical gaps in understanding the use of H₂ in the cement industry, which need to be closed to ensure a low-risk and successful introduction of H₂ technology. This research project is intended to make an important contribution to close these gaps.
The initial step is to ascertain the technical knowledge and economic conditions that must be in place in order to enable the competitive utilisation of hydrogen for CO₂ neutral process heat energy generation in Europe. In particular, the potential and limitations of the combined use of H₂ and refuse-derived fuels (RDF) in the rotary kiln of cement plants are to be analysed with regard to changes in process conditions and product quality. Based on an analysis of the necessary infrastructural and safety measures, possible concepts for the utilization of H₂ are identified. In order to achieve this, 3D CFD simulations are automatically coupled with a clinker burning process model, which is capable of describing the change in clinker quality depending on the process parameters. A final technical and economic evaluation is provided to cement plant operators to support the decision-making for the use of H₂.
The targeted studies offer German small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in energy-intensive sectors (such as the cement and lime industries) as well as related SMEs of suppliers, plant construction or engineering service providers a significant increase in knowledge regarding the application of hydrogen as a fuel. In addition, the research outcomes may facilitate the expansion of the hydrogen market to the cement industry, which may include SMEs engaged in the production of renewable energy and hydrogen.
