Review of energy modelling, energy efficiency models improvement and carbon dioxide emissions mitigation options for the cement industry in South Africa

This study reviews previous energy modelling strategies in South Africa, particularly in the cement industry, to examine the alignment of the cement industry’s strategies with the South African government’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. Previous studies of energy efficiency, modelling, and GHG emissions were analysed and reviewed to understand the readiness of South Africa’s cement industry to tackle its energy and global-warming issues, and to examine the potential for long-term energy efficiency strategies and CO2 mitigation options for the sector between 2015 and 2050. The study employs the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) to model possible energy-saving methods in the combustion process and other forms of energy supply, and an Excel-based model to examine strategies for reducing process-related CO2 emissions, with results examined in terms of cumulative energy savings, GHG emissions, and marginal abatement cost of carbon.