IPCC cement production based on production

This methodology should be used where no information on clinker production or the consumption of raw carbonate materials are available. The methodology estimates emissions from the production of clinker based on data describing production of cement together with default values representing typical cement properties.

Default methodology

The IPCC Tier 1 methodology represented herein uses a default emissions factor for converting the quantity of clinker produced (derived from the quantity of cement produced) into an emission of CO₂. This default value is 0.52 tonnes CO₂ per tonne of clinker. This value is based on a number of assumptions regarding the typical properties of clinker together with information about the the process dynamics of clinker production.

The derivation of the emissions factor assumes that 65% of clinker comprises calcium oxide (CaO) and that this has been entirely sourced from the calcining of limestone (CaCO₃). The calcining of 1 tonne of CaCO₃ produces 0.5603 tonnes of CaO and 0.4397 tonnes of CO₂. It follows that the quantity of CO₂ emitted per tonne of CaO produced is 0.7848 tonnes. This equates to 0.5101 tonnes of CO₂ for each tonne of 65%-CaO clinker. The IPCC methodology inflates this estimate to 0.52 tonnes CO₂ per tonne of clinker, by applying a 1.02 correction factor to account for emissions associated with cement kiln dust.

Using this category

To use this category, simply create a data item - there are no drill choices.

Next, specify the quantity of cement produced and the fraction of clinker within the cement using the massCement and clinkerFaction profile item values. The latter value should be expressed as a decimal fraction, i.e. between 0-1. The value returned represents CO₂ emissions associated with cement production according to the quantities specified.

Imports and exports of clinker

In addition, users can specify quantities of clinker which were imported and exported. Imported clinker is not included in the calculation as it are considered to be the responsibility of the entity (e.g. facility, country) in which it was produced. Exported clinker, which was produced by the entity under consideration but not used in cement production, is included in the estimate of emissions. To specify quantities of imported and/or exported clinker, set the clinkerImports and clinkerExports profile item values respectively.