Net Zero Emission

Recycling of waste masses, e.g. concretes, is pivotal to reduce process and energy-related emission in Rohrdorfer´s product portfolio. Rohrdorfer assesses here a pathway towards integration of recyclates into its diverse manufacture feeds, i.e. concretes and mortars as well as cement and related building materials. Here, pioneering technologies are developed to optimize recycling and purification such that the re-integration is shaped for rapid integration into existing distribution channels. Circular economy will contribute to a carbon footprint reduction above 30%.

( ~ 67% of total emissions)
The second pillar in Rohrdorfer NZEL´s strategy is focused on the mitigation of CO₂ emitted from the freshly produced material. The goal of the CO₂ avoidance pillar is to “save” as much CO₂ as possible during the manufacturing process in order to decrease the total amount that needs to be processed in the third pillar CCU / CCS.

Rohrdorfer is working on both ends of CO₂ emission.
The majority of the CO₂ emissions within the cement production process originates from the calcination of limestone. Hence, NZEL works hard on reducing the amount of limestone needed while maintaining a – literally – rock solid product quality. This also implies the reduction of clinker within the cement, a reduced cement ratio in concrete and a reduced concrete demand due to carbonatisation and construction.

( ~ 33% of total emissions)
NZEL is also focusing on the investigation of different options for the generation of the required pyroprocessing high temperature heat by Fuel Switch such as:

• Availability and technology options analysis for enhancing the level of bio-based fuel input
• Electrification – substituting heat generated from combustion by electric high-temperature pyroprocessing
• H₂  co-firing – Hydrogen based co-firing next to conventional fuels

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) becomes essential for industries such as cement, where inherent carbon dioxide process emissions are unavoidable. Even with the substitution of fossil fuels burned in the kiln for heat provision in cement production, emissions persist from the calcination process of the materials. NZEL, a subsidiary of Rohrdorfer, is dedicated to identifying the most suitable carbon capture technology in cement production facilities. Furthermore, NZEL collaborates with pipeline developers to establish an initial carbon dioxide pipeline grid, enabling cross-border transport from Austria to Bavaria in South of Germany.

Embracing a carbon-centric lifestyle demands proactive measures, with Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) emerging as a pivotal role for environmental resilience. We at NZELabs focus on the conversion of captured carbon into valuable products by electrolysis, contributing to the defossilization efforts and turning a once problematic emission into a valuable resource. Adapting these technologies offers a promising path towards sustainability, emphasizing the transformative potential of carbon in fostering a circular and eco-friendly industrial landscape.