Recasting the Future: Policy Approaches to Drive Cement Decarbonization

On behalf of Clean Air Task Force, Synapse conducted a comprehensive analysis of decarbonization pathways for the U.S. cement industry, which produces 91 million metric tons of cement and 71.3 million metric tons of CO₂e annually—over 4 percent of U.S. industrial emissions. The sector employs 14,000 workers across 92 plants and is essential for infrastructure, but faces urgent climate challenges.

Our study assessed technology pathways—including efficiency upgrades, clinker substitution, alternative feedstocks and production processes, carbon capture, and emerging solutions like biocement—and mapped their readiness, costs, and emissions reduction potential. We found that while efficiency gains can offer incremental emission reductions, deep decarbonization will require large-scale adoption of both commercialized and emerging technologies, supported by $69–120 billion in capital investment through 2050 and $11.4 billion in public policy support through 2035.

Synapse developed a coordinated policy portfolio integrating financial support, market-based approaches, and regulatory interventions. Our key recommendations include:

Expand R&D and demonstration funding for emerging technologies, targeting $4 billion by 2035.
Strengthen 45Q tax credits and support carbon capture, utilization, and storage infrastructure, especially for newer coal-dependent plants.

Leverage federal and state procurement—nearly half of U.S. cement demand—to create markets for low-carbon cement through advance purchase commitments and performance-based standards.

Adopt performance-based specifications to allow innovative, lower-carbon blends to compete in public projects.

Accelerate permitting and workforce training to support technology deployment and ensure equitable transition.

This roadmap provides policymakers with a roadmap for cement sector decarbonization that balances environmental goals with economic realities. The detailed policy matrix and implementation timeline offer actionable guidance for federal and state decision-makers seeking to drive industrial decarbonization while supporting domestic manufacturing competitiveness. The analysis directly informs ongoing federal initiatives including EPA’s low-embodied carbon labeling program and DOE’s Industrial Demonstrations Program investments in cement technologies.

Full report: https://www.catf.us/resource/recasting-future-policy-approaches-drive-c…