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Decarbonizing Cement Industry Thermal Systems
Technological Pathways and Practices

Chinese

March 2026

Report

Energy Transition Industry

Summary:
This report analyzes the decarbonization of thermal systems in China's cement industry, focusing on the clinker calcination process as the primary source of emissions. It systematically examines three core technological pathways—enhanced waste heat recovery and cross-sectoral utilization, large-scale substitution of fossil fuels with alternative fuels (biomass and RDF/SRF), and frontier technologies including hydrogen firing, oxy-fuel combustion coupled with CCUS, and electric heating—through a comprehensive review of policy frameworks, enterprise case studies, and technical literature. The analysis identifies the current stage of each pathway, evaluates technical and market barriers, and derives strategic recommendations for policymakers and industry actors to accelerate the transition.
Suggested citation:
Institute for Global Decarbonization Progress (iGDP). (2026). Decarbonizing Cement Industry Thermal Systems: Technological Pathways and Practices (Report). Beijing: iGDP. March 2026.
Decarbonizing Cement Industry Thermal Systems