INVESTIGATION OF ENERGY SAVING POTENTIAL IN A SOUTH AFRICAN CEMENT FINISHING MILLPLANT

The cement industry is an industrial sub-sector with high energy intensity. It represents nearly 15% of the total energy used by industries.Many energy-saving programs and strategies have been launched and adopted in this sector. Both technological and non-technological restrictions must be addressed when implementing the best solutions for a specific cement plant. This study examines energy consumption and potential saving opportunities using exploratory questionnaires in a South African cement finishing plant. Respondentsanswered questions on energy saving potential, highlighting the reasons for adopting cost-saving energy efficiency strategies in aSouth African cement finishing plant. A significant amount of energycan be savedby focusing on energy consumption reduction initiatives through process optimization, production management, and new technologies. This study used a questionnaire to determine the energy-saving potential of a cement finishing plant. This study provides a fundamental understanding of the energy efficiency status of cement plants and the energy saving potential of such plants. The findings reveal the maximum savings potential that cement plants can achieveby implementing various measures related to the case study plant. The results project a substantial energy savings potential in cost-savings (Rand), energy investment (Rand) and payback periods.