As the global cement industry faces pressure to cut greenhouse gas emissions and move toward a net-zero target, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a new tool to optimize production, save energy, and reduce CO₂ emissions across the entire value chain.
Illustrative image. Source: AI.
AI opens up a new path for decarbonization.
The cement industry is currently one of the most carbon-intensive industrial sectors in the world. Statistics indicate that cement production accounts for approximately 7–8% of total global CO₂ emissions, primarily stemming from clinker calcination and energy consumption during manufacturing.
To address this challenge, alongside solutions such as using alternative fuels, increasing the proportion of mineral additives, developing low-carbon cement, and applying carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology, many enterprises and international organizations are turning their attention to artificial intelligence.
The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) recently launched the Innovandi Open Challenge 2026 to seek AI solutions for low-emission cement and concrete production. This move highlights AI as a key technology supporting the cement industry in accelerating its green transition.
Production optimization and emission control
Unlike new material technologies that focus on altering product composition, AI is expected to have a direct impact on the entire production process.
By collecting and analyzing real-time data from the production line, the AI system can help businesses optimize input raw material mixes, adjust kiln operating parameters, and predict clinker quality prior to mass production.
These are the most energy-intensive stages in a cement plant. Improving operational efficiency by just a few percent can significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Furthermore, AI is capable of analyzing millions of data points from sensors to detect equipment anomalies early, facilitating predictive maintenance and minimizing unplanned downtime. This not only enhances production efficiency but also contributes to reducing energy and resource waste.
Another notable application is the development of real-time carbon emission forecasting models. Instead of merely aggregating data after each production cycle, businesses can continuously monitor emissions at each stage, thereby making timely adjustments to minimize environmental impact.
Beyond plant operations, AI is also being researched to support the development of low-emission cement and concrete. Machine learning algorithms can analyze thousands of different raw material combinations to identify optimal mix designs that meet strength and durability requirements while reducing clinker content—the primary source of carbon emissions in cement.
The research process, which could otherwise span months or years, is significantly shortened, enabling businesses to accelerate the commercialization of green material products.
For concrete, AI also assists in assessing structural lifespan, load-bearing capacity, and durability under various environmental conditions, thereby contributing to improved material efficiency and reduced resource consumption throughout the structure’s lifecycle.
Opportunities for Vietnam’s cement industry
In Vietnam, the cement industry is entering a transition phase focused on greening operations and reducing emissions. Requirements regarding energy conservation, greenhouse gas inventorying, and the development of eco-friendly construction materials are becoming increasingly clearly defined.
In this context, AI can serve as an effective tool for businesses to optimize operations, reduce production costs, and enhance competitiveness. Integrating artificial intelligence with digital transformation, automation, and data management solutions will enable factories to progressively improve energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and meet increasingly stringent market environmental standards.
The emergence of AI does not replace existing technological solutions but is opening up a new approach for the global cement industry.
On the roadmap toward the net-zero emissions goal, artificial intelligence is expected to become a key tool helping the construction materials industry enhance production efficiency, drive technological innovation, and accelerate the green transition.
JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION |Thúy Vy|Translated by VIFUCO admin |26/06/2026
