Enflamed CO₂ emissions from cement production in Nepal

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climate Change Studies
• Industrial Ecology

Background:

• The cement industry is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Understanding national contributions to global emissions is crucial for climate mitigation strategies.
• Nepal's cement sector's environmental impact requires detailed assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify cement production and associated CO2 emissions in Nepal.
• To analyze emission sources (process, combustion, electricity) within Nepal's cement industry.
• To correlate cement production with economic and human development indicators.

Main Methods:

• Utilized eight emission factors (EFs) for process-related, two for combustion, and two for electricity-related activities.
• Calculated CO2 emissions by multiplying activity data with selected EFs.
• Employed statistical analysis to evaluate the relationship between cement production, GDP, and HDI.

Main Results:

• Estimated 2019 CO2 emissions from Nepal's cement production at 3.45 ± 0.50 million metric tons (mMt).
• Process-related emissions were 1.87 ± 0.16 mMt, combustion-related 1.52 ± 0.34 mMt, and electricity-related 0.062 ± 0.004 mMt in 2019.
• Cumulative emissions from 1987-2019 reached 22.73 ± 3.82 mMt; per capita emission was 0.12 mMt in 2019.
• Cement production showed a significant positive correlation with per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Human Development Index (HDI) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• The study provides crucial data for Nepal's national emission inventory and climate mitigation planning.
• Findings highlight the need for cleaner production strategies in Nepal's cement industry.
• Economic growth and human development in Nepal are positively linked to increased cement production and associated emissions.