Focus Area 3F - Assessing waste biomass availability for cement co-processing | Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Mineral-based Construction Materials - UCL

This focus area aims to analyze biomass waste flow in UK cement plants, assess its alternative uses, and compare the environmental impacts of current and potential waste biomass applications.

PDR3F, Led by Dr Ramya Venkataraman from UCL, Working on Material Flow Analysis of Biomass Fuels in UK Cement Co-Processing working with Dr. Teresa Domenech, Dr. Stijn Van Ewijk, Prof. Julia Stegemann, Dr. Aiduan Borrion from Civil Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE) Together with the UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources (BSEER).

Background of this research

Substitution of fossil fuels by renewable biomass is a key strategy for decreasing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from energy-intensive processes, including cement manufacture. In a system-wide context, with competing demand from other sectors, the supply and benefits of biomass energy are both uncertain. Characterisation of quantities and qualities of different types of biomass waste at the point of generation rather than at the point of use can help direct them to the most beneficial use, for the reduction of GHG emissions and other negative environmental impacts.

Objectives for this research

(a) A Material Flow Analysis of biomass waste in U.K cement plants

(b) Assessment of alternative uses of waste biomass

(c) Comparison of the environmental impact of waste biomass currently used in U.K cement plants and their alternative uses

Publications

Dr Ramya Venkataraman. Assessing Waste biomass Availability for cement co-processing [Draft Paper]