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CONCRETE PRODUCTS & CAST STONE64 CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 3 | 2025 www.cpi-worldwide.comdefined period of time. Additional savings can be achieved through reduced cement consumption and fewer complaints due to efflorescence. The economic viability of this technology has been confirmed by numerous applications in practice.Pyrolysis: Sustainable energy supply and CO2 reductionThe operation of modern curing chambers is associated with increased energy requirements. In order to meet the increased energy demand and at the same time further reduce the CO2 footprint, pyrolysis is a technology with potential.Thermochemical process for the harvesting of energyand raw materialsPyrolysis is a thermochemical process in which organic materials are decomposed under the absence of oxygen and in presence of high temperatures. This produces pyrolysis gas, liquid products and biochar. The basics of pyrolysis have been known for a long time, and the technology is already being used in various industries.Decentralized energy generation for more independenceThe pyrolysis gas can be used in combined heat and power plants (CHP) to generate electricity and heat. Concrete plants can thus generate their own energy and become less dependent on external energy suppliers and reduce their energy costs. The heat generated can be used directly to heat the curing chambers or for other processes in the concrete plant. Sustainable fuels for lower emissionsVarious biogenic residues such as wood chips, agricultural waste or waste wood can be used as starting materials for pyrolysis. These residues are often CO2-neutral, as the CO2released during their combustion was originally absorbed by the plants during their growth.CO2 reduction through insetting for a better balance sheetBy using pyrolysis plants, concrete plants can significantly reduce their CO2 footprint. The energy generated can be accounted for as \compensated for by insetting or trading in CO2 certificates. Biochar: CO2 storage and additive for concreteThe biochar produced during pyrolysis is not just a by-product, but a valuable raw material with potential applications in the concrete industry.CO2 storage for climate protectionBiochar is a stable carbon reservoir that can bind CO2 in the long term. The ability of biochar to store CO2 has been scientifically proven and is used in various contexts.Concrete with potentialThe integration of biochar into concrete mixes is proving to be a promising approach to reducing CO2 emissions in the construction sector. Studies have shown that the addition of biochar %u2013 depending on the dosage %u2013 does not have a significant positive or negative effect on concrete properties, which underlines its potential applicability. Current research efforts are focused on optimizing the production processes and processing strategies of biochar to enable its use in larger concrete volumes. The development of concrete products containing biochar thus represents a forward-looking step towards more sustainable construction.Peak load capping through modern battery storage systemsModern battery storage systems offer an additional opportunity to increase energy efficiency in concrete plants and reduce costs. The energy generated by pyrolysis plants can be temporarily stored in battery storage systems when it is not directly needed. This is particularly relevant in concrete plants with a 2-shift operation, where the main load is incurred in the first shift. At night, when the pyrolysis plant continues to run, the excess energy can be charged into the storage. This stored energy can then be used to cap load peaks during production times. By reducing peak loads, concrete plants can optimize their power supply contracts with energy suppliers and thus achieve significant cost savings.Challenges and solutionsThe implementation of the presented technologies is associated with challenges, but the solutions are not far-off. Technical integration for smooth processesThe integration of pyrolysis plants, modern curing chambers and battery storage systems into existing concrete plants requires careful planning and technical expertise. It is important to optimally coordinate the systems with each other and to design interfaces efficiently. The technical integration of these technologies is complex, but it can be achieved through careful planning.Biochar in concrete as a CO2 sink.