A pathway to negative CO₂ emissions by 2050: The contribution of the lime industry to a carbon‐neutral Europe

Lime is used for a wide range of processes and in a variety of products that are essential to our quality of life and to a sustainable European economy. This roadmap presents a reference pathway for the European lime sector to achieve negative CO2 emissions by 2050. It is estimated that by 2030, direct CO2 emissions will be achieved through fuel switch to decarbonized/low carbon energy vectors, as well as the first steps in the deployment of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS). By 2050, it is estimated that the European lime sector will deliver negative emissions. This will be achieved through full deployment of decarbonization technologies and techniques (crucially CCUS, fuel switch to decarbonized/low carbon energy vectors, and energy‐efficient/electrified kiln technologies) as well as by carbon removal from the atmosphere through lime carbonation during its use phase. The roadmap further explores the key prerequisites that will allow the industry to deliver a reduction in emissions. Altogether, this research demonstrates and quantifies the potential of the European lime sector to deliver net negative emissions by 2050, thus contributing to the overall carbon neutrality of European society.