ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Carbon Re, a provider of industrial artificial intelligence solutions, to explore strategies for accelerating the decarbonization of cement production while improving productivity. The collaboration aims to develop a joint solution for the cement sector, combining ABB’s expertise in automation and advanced process control with Carbon Re’s proficiency in AI, machine learning, and cement optimization.
Following a successful trial at a cement plant in Czechia, ABB plans to integrate Carbon Re’s AI platform with its ABB Ability™ Expert Optimizer, which enhances combustion efficiency by adjusting key parameters in real-time. This AI-driven optimization could further reduce energy consumption by up to 5% and improve kiln stability, all while minimizing the need for human intervention.
Cement production is highly energy-intensive, with kilns being a major source of energy demand. Its Expert Optimizer currently helps reduce specific energy usage by 1-5% and increases the use of alternative fuels by up to 50%. The addition of Carbon Re’s technology is expected to drive even greater energy savings and operational efficiency.
Josh Vernon, CEO of Carbon Re, noted, “Our AI models can unlock efficiencies in the complex chemical processes of cement production. It has long been an innovation leader in the industry, and together, we can tackle the challenges of carbon reduction.”
Tyron Vardy, Global Portfolio Manager for Digital at ABB Process Industries, added, “Reducing cement emissions is a top priority, and our partnership with Carbon Re will help bring innovative, AI-driven solutions to achieve faster decarbonization.”
This partnership follows ABB‘s global “Do More With Digital” campaign, which promotes digital transformation to help industries optimize their processes and reduce environmental impact. ABB’s Process Automation division focuses on automating and digitalizing industrial operations, while Carbon Re specializes in AI-driven solutions to cut emissions in heavy industries like cement, steel, and glass.
