Implementing carbon capture technologies and strategies in the cement industry: A complete review

The cement industry is one of the main industrial sources of CO₂ emissions globally, it accounted for approximately between 7-8% of total fossil fuel-related CO2 emissions. There are two carbon-intensive processes in the cement manufacturing: First is Clinker production, the decomposition of limestone into lime. This process is called calcination and is termed process emission, this represents 60%, and the second is Fuel combustion process, the burning of fossil fuel to obtain high temperatures of approximately 1450 ℃ required in the kiln. This accounted for 40% of total CO2 emissions from cement production, it is termed combustion emission. Decarbonization of cement industry is a necessity because of the global net-zero emissions target of 2050. This review comprehensively examines current and emerging Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies in this sector. Post-combustion capture is retrofittable, while calcium looping and oxy-fuel combustion indicated high capture efficiency and compatibility with cement chemistry. The LEILAC is the breakthrough process, producing pure CO₂ without flue-gas contamination. Though, high energy penalties, process complexity, integration challenges linger, and cost of retrofitting. Utilization methods such as mineral carbonation, CO₂ curing in concrete, and enhanced oil recovery offer roadmaps to long-term or value-added CO₂ usage. For permanent sequestration, storage in geological depleted oil fields and saline aquifers is key. Highlighted in this review is the need for all-inclusive integration, economic policy, and digital innovations with AI-driven monitoring and the use of alternative fuels like biomass. Urgent scale-up of CCUS technologies is essential to achieving the 2030-2050 climate targets. infrastructure Investment, Cross-sector collaboration, and supportive regulations are vital for transitioning to a low-carbon and climate-resilient cement industry.