World cement production has grown steadily since the early 1950s, with increase production in developing countries, particularly in Asian ones (China and India), accounting for the biggest share of growth in world cement production in the 1990s. In 2003 world production of cement reached 1.9 billion tonnes. In 2005, the global cement output was 2.27 billion ton, and it is forecasted that the global cement sale will attain 2.23 billion ton by 2010. The U.S. will continue to play the role of leader till 2010. It is forecasted that the cement import will achieve 30 million ton in 2010 and in 5-6 years, the global cement industry will experience a worldwide merger and reorganization, by 2010 there will be 75% of the production capacity involving in the merger tide, oversize multinational groups will be established. It is an opportunity and a challenge at the same time for the Chinese cement and concrete corporative groups.

Table below shows the distribution of cement production in 2003, by geographic regions.

World cement production by geographic regions in 2003.

The world's five largest cement producers are the four West European groups; Lafarge, Holcim, HeidelbergCement, and Italcementi, together with Cemex from Mexico. Apart from producing cement, these companies have also diversified into several other building materials sub-sectors such as aggregates, concrete products, plasterboards, etc.

The sustainable development strategy for China's cement industry is part of the social sustainable development strategy. China is one of the main markets for the production and consumption of cement in the world. In 2005, China had a cement output of 1.064 billion ton, up 9.69% than 2004. In 2006, the Chinese cement production still stay within its contraction period and is most likely to grow slower than GDP (Gross Domestic Product), but if the investment in fixed asset can keep a steady growth, the demand for cement is still able to reach 1.12~1.14 billion ton.

The development of the global and Chinese economy will stimulate the demand for cement, the growth will maintain between 7% and 8%, and the output will be around 1.15 billion ton in 2006.

Although China is by far the biggest cement producer all over the world, Chinese Cement industry shows very low efficiencies in energy consumption and utilization. It is important to consider that Cement production is one of the most energy-consuming sectors, due to the numerous high temperature processes. For these reasons the Chinese Cement sector shows great potentials for improvements in energy efficiency, which will be object of the next sections of this web site. Here you can find various information about Cement production, and opportunities for improvement in energy efficiency in the Cement sector. Information provided is divided in five main sections, which are described as follows:

·              Chinese Context, describing the actual situation in China, and opportunities for improvements in energy efficiency;

·              Benchmarking studies in specific Cement production factories, individualizing the main areas for intervention;

·              Assessing Key Components necessary for the specific energy audit to be conducted in the Cement sector;

·              Specific Questionnaire, important for getting the most important information about the industrial sites object of the energy efficiency improvement studies;