During the latest Future Cement Initiative decarbonization workshop in December, Dr. Sarathy presented focused on carbon capture pathways for the cement sector. He examined oxyfuel combustion as a route that increases CO₂ concentration in kiln flue gas and improves capture performance. He showed how full and partial oxyfuel systems align with cement kiln chemistry and support high capture rates. He positioned these systems as practical options for industrial decarbonization because they produce concentrated CO₂ streams and reduce separation effort. His analysis placed emphasis on solutions that scale while preserving process integrity.
He also outlined progress from ongoing experimental programs in Europe. These programs demonstrate that oxyfuel conditions enhance CO₂ separation efficiency and simplify downstream purification. Collaborative initiatives such as AC2OCem are refining first‑ and second‑generation oxyfuel designs for retrofit and new‑build cement plants. Their work achieves gains in oxygen integration, calciner operation, and CO₂ avoidance cost. Pilot‑scale validation confirms these improvements. These developments strengthen the relevance of Dr. Sarathy’s research for FCI partners who seek evidence‑based decarbonization pathways grounded in current industrial practice.