Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CO2Valorize (Valorization of CO2 for low carbon cement)
Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-08-31
The project addresses the urgent need to reduce the environmental impact of the cement and construction sectors, which are among the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions. In particular, the work focuses on developing innovative carbonation strategies that valorize industrial by-products such as recycled concrete and mine tailings. By transforming these waste streams into valuable carbon-storing materials, the project seeks to advance both climate change mitigation and the circular economy.
To achieve this, three scientific objectives were defined, each embedded in a dedicated work package with clear performance metrics. These objectives remain highly relevant and continue to guide the research effort:
1. Material characterization – Understanding and optimizing the carbonation behavior of recycled concrete and mine tailings.
2. Technical equipment development – Designing and testing suitable equipment for dry, semi-dry, and wet carbonation.
3. Process modelling – Developing kinetic models and process simulations to evaluate alternative process configurations and their techno-economic feasibility.
The research pathway has been structured to ensure both scientific rigor and practical impact. The project began with comprehensive literature reviews carried out by each doctoral candidate (DC), forming the basis for the design of novel experimental systems and computational models. This approach ensured that the overarching project objectives were translated into detailed, university-aligned PhD research plans.
To achieve this, three scientific objectives were defined, each embedded in a dedicated work package with clear performance metrics. These objectives remain highly relevant and continue to guide the research effort:
1. Material characterization – Understanding and optimizing the carbonation behavior of recycled concrete and mine tailings.
2. Technical equipment development – Designing and testing suitable equipment for dry, semi-dry, and wet carbonation.
3. Process modelling – Developing kinetic models and process simulations to evaluate alternative process configurations and their techno-economic feasibility.
The research pathway has been structured to ensure both scientific rigor and practical impact. The project began with comprehensive literature reviews carried out by each doctoral candidate (DC), forming the basis for the design of novel experimental systems and computational models. This approach ensured that the overarching project objectives were translated into detailed, university-aligned PhD research plans.
Significant progress has been made across all three objectives (Work packages 1-3):
1. On materials, new protocols for carbonation have been established, and additional knowledge has been generated on the performance of recycled concrete and mine tailings.
2. On equipment, experimental set-ups for wet, semi-dry, and dry carbonation have been designed and tested, revealing the importance of material moisture content for effective carbonation.
3. On modelling, first-principle kinetic expressions and process models have been developed, enabling the simulation of cement plant flowsheets that integrate multiple decarbonization strategies, including carbonation, alongside techno-economic assessments.
The doctoral candidates have been central to this progress. For example, DCs 1–3 have led experimental campaigns on material carbonation, DCs 2, 4, and 5 have advanced equipment design, and DCs 6–8 have focused on process modelling and plant-scale simulations. With most candidates now entering the final year of their PhDs, the majority of objectives and deliverables have already been fulfilled, putting the project on track to deliver both high-quality scientific outputs and practical insights for industrial application.
1. On materials, new protocols for carbonation have been established, and additional knowledge has been generated on the performance of recycled concrete and mine tailings.
2. On equipment, experimental set-ups for wet, semi-dry, and dry carbonation have been designed and tested, revealing the importance of material moisture content for effective carbonation.
3. On modelling, first-principle kinetic expressions and process models have been developed, enabling the simulation of cement plant flowsheets that integrate multiple decarbonization strategies, including carbonation, alongside techno-economic assessments.
The doctoral candidates have been central to this progress. For example, DCs 1–3 have led experimental campaigns on material carbonation, DCs 2, 4, and 5 have advanced equipment design, and DCs 6–8 have focused on process modelling and plant-scale simulations. With most candidates now entering the final year of their PhDs, the majority of objectives and deliverables have already been fulfilled, putting the project on track to deliver both high-quality scientific outputs and practical insights for industrial application.
The CO2Valorize project is designed as an impact-oriented initiative aligned with EU priorities such as the Green Deal and the UN SDGs, with clear pathways to scientific, economic, and societal contributions. Its progress is monitored through well-defined indicators that ensure value for policymakers, industry, and society beyond the project’s lifetime. While no single project can equally deliver on all impact dimensions, CO2Valorize has demonstrated transformative potential through nine identified impact areas:
- Scientifically, the project is producing high-quality publications, open-access data, and advanced research on carbonation processes, with six publications already achieved.
- It strengthens human capital by training doctoral and master’s students through industry-driven events, many of whom are expected to take influential roles in the cement and cleantech sectors.
- Economically, the project is generating intellectual property, considering patents, stimulating industrial investments of €10–15 million, and creating opportunities for new jobs and collaborations.
- Societally, CO2Valorize shows potential to cut cement plant emissions by up to 50% by 2030, while promoting education, gender equality, and public engagement with policymakers and citizens.
The seven doctoral candidates and one UK researcher gain valuable industrial experience, enhancing both their technical expertise and career prospects in academia and industry. Industrial and academic beneficiaries profit from knowledge exchange, process design expertise, and access to infrastructures that accelerate cleantech innovation.
By fostering transnational cooperation, integrating sustainability practices, and aligning with national, regional, and EU initiatives, CO2Valorize strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and leadership in low-carbon technologies.
- Scientifically, the project is producing high-quality publications, open-access data, and advanced research on carbonation processes, with six publications already achieved.
- It strengthens human capital by training doctoral and master’s students through industry-driven events, many of whom are expected to take influential roles in the cement and cleantech sectors.
- Economically, the project is generating intellectual property, considering patents, stimulating industrial investments of €10–15 million, and creating opportunities for new jobs and collaborations.
- Societally, CO2Valorize shows potential to cut cement plant emissions by up to 50% by 2030, while promoting education, gender equality, and public engagement with policymakers and citizens.
The seven doctoral candidates and one UK researcher gain valuable industrial experience, enhancing both their technical expertise and career prospects in academia and industry. Industrial and academic beneficiaries profit from knowledge exchange, process design expertise, and access to infrastructures that accelerate cleantech innovation.
By fostering transnational cooperation, integrating sustainability practices, and aligning with national, regional, and EU initiatives, CO2Valorize strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and leadership in low-carbon technologies.