Public Funding for Macrete Ireland Limited

CO2 emissions are responsible for climate change and these will have adverse consequences particularly on low and middle income countries. Malaysian CO2 emissions have seen a growth of 300% in the last 20 years. Malaysia’s dependence on non-renewable energy sources is increasing as a result of the growing population (2% annual growth) and urbanisation in the country. Portland cement production is responsible for about 8% of the total CO2 emissions in the world, and an increase in production would be required in order to cope with the housing needs of a growing population. This project will develop low carbon footprint precast cementless concrete products that use industrial wastes instead of Portland cement. Their improved insulating properties will reduce energy bills for heating in winter and cooling in summer. The knowledge generated by the project will benefit the industry and the society both in Malaysia and in the UK. The input from industrial partners will ensure that research results will be translated into products that will enter the market and be commercially competitive with current products.

This proposal addresses directly an enhancement of the efficiency, export potential and energy utilization of the UK concrete industry, as cement is the second most used substance on the planet after water and the manufacturing process produces large amounts of CO2 per year. The proposed technology will enable concrete manufacturers to increase the quantities of low carbon cement they use by developing a highly cost-effective continuous, conveyor-based solid-state microwave-based system for the production of low-carbon concretes incorporating higher levels of waste products, with lower energy use and lower carbon footprint, yet retaining high mechanical performance. The significant reduction in the carbon footprint is expected to lead to rapid environmental, social and economic impact and hence market opportunities.

Awaiting Public Summary