Decarbonisation of the Dutch ceramic industry

A techno-economic analysis of decarbonisation options

Master thesis (2021)

Authors

J.P. Besier Technology, Policy and Management

Contributors

K. Blok Energy and Industry (supervisor 1)
R.W. Kunneke Economics of Technology and Innovation - TPM (supervisor 2)
Marc Marsidi PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (coach)
Faculty
Technology, Policy and Management
Copyright: © 2021 Jorick Besier
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Published Date

13-01-2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Abstract

The manufacturing processes of the Dutch ceramic plants are energy intensive with high temperatures. Most heat is generated by firing natural gas, which causes CO2 emissions. According to the Dutch Climate Agreement, the ceramic plants need to abate their CO2 emissions by 2030. This study intends to provide an analysis of applicable decarbonisation options from a techno-economic perspective. The most cost-beneficial decarbonisation options are analysed by marginal abatement cost curves and evaluated by a business case analysis. The results show that in 2030 a combination of industrial heat pumps, green gas from onsite digestion and CCS are most cost-beneficial and can theoretically abate the total CO2 emissions by 96%. However, uncertainties are present and the supply of feedstock and fuels should be considered in the decision-making process. Next steps for research could be applying a socio-technical approach or a detailed case study of one or more plants.