Making Eco-Friendly Cement Using Seasonal 부산물

POSCO-Ssangyong C&E, Carbon Emission Reduction MOU

Ssangyong C&E Donghae Plant

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Leading domestic steel and cement companies have decided to produce eco-friendly cement using byproducts from the steelmaking process.

POSCO and Ssangyong C&E signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on carbon emission reduction and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management cooperation on the 5th. Under this agreement, they will establish infrastructure to more widely use water-quenched slag, a steelmaking byproduct, in the cement production process, develop eco-friendly cement, and expand its demand base.

This agreement aims to reduce carbon emissions generated during cement production. Typically, producing 1 ton of cement emits 0.8 tons of carbon due to limestone calcination and fossil fuel use. The water-quenched slag supplied by POSCO is a byproduct collected from molten iron discharged from blast furnaces and rapidly cooled using water, with a composition similar to cement.

The cement industry expects that adding steelmaking byproducts such as water-quenched slag will reduce the use of limestone, thereby lowering costs and carbon emissions. However, seasonal factors such as the off-season in construction have made it difficult to utilize storage space effectively. Steel mills have also struggled to manage byproducts during the cement industry's off-season, causing supply and demand difficulties for both sides.

According to the agreement, Ssangyong C&E will secure regional yards to store and utilize water-quenched slag during the construction off-season. POSCO will assist in increasing the production of water-quenched slag and ensuring its stable supply. Additionally, both companies will collaborate to develop eco-friendly cement using water-quenched slag and other byproducts.

Ji Jun-hyun, Executive Director of Ssangyong C&E, said, "We will take the lead in developing eco-friendly cement that reduces carbon emissions through continuous cooperation with POSCO." Kim Dae-up, Head of POSCO’s Hot Rolled Steel Marketing Office, stated, "We will support POSCO’s steelmaking byproducts becoming eco-friendly raw materials to contribute further to carbon reduction."