Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage

At Holcim, we are committed to decarbonizing building to create a net-zero future.

This starts with our operations, and more specifically with cement manufacturing. At Holcim, we focus on two main approaches:

  • Reducing CO2 emissions by decarbonizing our formulations and energy mix.
  • Advancing carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology for the remaining CO2 emissions we cannot avoid.

CCUS is a key lever to accelerate our decarbonization journey. With six full-scale projects in execution, we are committed to capturing over 5 million tons of CO2 annually and producing 8 million tons of ECOPlanet Zero fully decarbonized cement by 2030. 

Our advanced CCUS roadmap positions us as the right partner to scale up net-zero cement around the world. Our projects are based on mature technologies, driven by the strength of our engineering teams and advanced partnerships across the value chain.

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What is CCUS? FAQ

What is CCUS?

The carbon capture process involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes, which is then either stored or utilized in other industries. When it comes to cement production, there are several types of carbon capture storage and/or utilization pathways currently being explored:

Storage
The captured CO2 can be conditioned into a pure gas, liquid or dense state and then transported by pipeline, ship, rail or truck to be pumped underground for permanent storage.

Utilization
Alternatively, the captured CO2 can be utilized as feedstock (or raw material) for products of value, ranging from aviation and maritime fuel, chemicals or plastics. It can also be captured and recarbonated into concrete and mineral components through mineralization to develop low-carbon building materials.

As a global leader in building solutions, Holcim is committed to leading our sector’s decarbonization. With the strength of our engineering teams, the maturity and scalability of our technologies, and our advanced partnerships across the value chain, CCUS can fundamentally change our industry for a net-zero future.

Miljan Gutovic| CEO Holcim

Reaching net zero with ccus


We are scoping CCUS and mineralization projects around the world and are committed to capturing more than 5 million tons of CO2 annually by 2030. Our diverse portfolio ranges from CO2 storage to CO2 utilization. Among these, we have identified 17 flagship projects. Based on mature technologies and robust partnerships and value chains, these sites are well positioned to become net-zero cement plants and produce net-zero cement.

Driving decarbonization in Europe

We are at the forefront of Europe’s decarbonization. Together with the European Union (EU) Innovation Fund, we are advancing CCUS projects in Germany, Poland, Belgium, Croatia, France and Greece. All six Holcim projects are based on highly scalable, mature technologies and advanced partnerships, putting clean technologies to work for Europe’s net-zero future.

Lägerdorf, Germany

The Carbon2Business project aims to capture CO2 from our Lägerdorf plant and utilize it as an industrial raw material. It was awarded €110 million from the EU Innovation Fund in 2022.

Annual CO2 capture: 1.2 million tons
Net-zero by: 2029

Kujawy, Poland

The Go4ECOPlanet project will capture CO2 from our Kujawy site for offshore storage. The project received €228 million from the EU Innovation Fund in 2022.

Annual CO2 capture: 1.2 million tons
Net-zero by: 2027

 

 

Obourg, Belgium

The GO4ZERO project will deploy an innovative carbon capture technology at our plant in Obourg, and transport the CO2 for offshore storage. The project was selected for a grant from the EU Innovation Fund in 2023.

Annual CO2 capture: 1.1 million tons
Net-zero by: 2029

 

 

Koromačno, Croatia

The KOdeCO net zero project will capture and store CO2 from Holcim’s plant in Koromačno. The project was selected for a grant from the EU Innovation Fund in 2023.

Annual CO2 capture: 0.4 million tons
Net-zero by: 2028

 

 

Le Teil, France

A partnership with Elyse Energy, the eCapt-Rhône project aims to produce e-methanol using renewable hydrogen production and CO2 captured from our plant in Le Teil.

Annual CO2 capture: 0.2 million tons
Operational by: 2028

Milaki, Greece

The OLYMPUS project aims to capture and store CO2 from our Milaki plant. In 2023, the project was selected for an EU Innovation Fund grant.

Annual CO2 capture: 1 million tons
Operational by: 2029

Our CCUS Pathways

1. Conversion utilization


CO2 can be repurposed by reaction with green hydrogen to produce low-carbon fuels or chemicals and plastics.

2. Mineralization


CO2 is reacted with minerals to form carbonates, safely storing the CO2 for use in cement, concrete and aggregates.

Our CCUS pathways

3. Market utilization


Captured CO2 can be used for greenhouse plants as a crop growth enhancer or for beverage carbonation, for example.

4. Storage


After CO2 is captured from a facility, it is transported – via pipeline, train, ship or truck – and safely stored either onshore or offshore.

KOdeCO net zero: Accelerating carbon capture in Croatia
GO4ZERO: Driving decarbonization in Belgium with CCUS
GOCO2: Unlocking the potential of CCUS in western France
OLYMPUS project: Reaching net-zero in Greece with CCUS
Go4ECOPlanet: Decarbonizing building in Poland with CCUS
Carbon2Business: Producing net-zero cement in Lägerdorf, Germany

scalING up CCUS


At Holcim, we are tailoring pathways and value chains based on the local conditions. Working with other private companies as well as with start-ups, we have a portfolio of diverse and cost-effective solutions that can be scaled up across the company.

We understand there is no “one size fits all” CCUS solution. Different sites have different available storage or utilization options, and regulations may vary between countries.

Deep collaboration among public authorities, private companies, local stakeholders and other value chain partners is essential to securing the development of technologies that will unlock the business case for CCUS and enable a net-zero future.

Frequently asked questions

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CCUS FAQ

How is CO₂ captured?

When it comes to cement production, there are several types of mature carbon capture technologies we are developing or assessing to give us maximum flexibility across our global footprint. They broadly fall into one of the following two categories:

Post-combustion technologies

These solutions capture CO2 in the exhaust gas of a traditional kiln system at the “end of the pipe.” The most advanced post-combustion solution is based on liquid solvents such as amines, e.g. monoethanolamine solution (MEA). The CO2 in the exhaust gas is absorbed by the solvent, and the CO2-rich liquid is then sent to the regenerator where the CO2 is released in a concentrated form. The solvent is reintroduced to the absorption column. Other post-combustion approaches include CO2 separation by membranes and adsorption processes.

Integrated processes

Integrated processes such as oxyfuel or the electrification of clinker manufacturing or calcination of raw materials are possible alternatives to pure post-combustion capture. We are currently engaged in various site-specific investigations to develop integrated concepts. In the oxyfuel approach, air for combustion in the cement manufacturing process is replaced with oxygen. This prevents nitrogen forming in the system and generates a concentrated CO2 exhaust stream.

Why is CCUS important?

Countries and companies around the world are increasingly committing to achieving net-zero by 2050. Reaching net-zero thus requires a profound transformation in the way we reduce emissions.

CCUS enables the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, such as cement, offering a viable pathway towards global climate goals and transitioning to a net-zero economy. Cement is an essential building material for our homes, schools, hospitals and roads. By harnessing CCUS, we can produce net-zero cement to advance low-carbon construction.

Is CCUS safe?

The capture, transport and storage of CO2 is well regulated and scientifically proven to be safe. Storage technologies have been in use for more than 50 years.

Moreover, CO2 storage is a natural process that has been happening for thousands of years, such as in deep, porous rock formations, and scientists have even found natural pockets of CO2 that have existed for millions of years.

Talk to an expert

Want to learn more about our CCUS projects? Drop us a line, and someone from our team will be in touch.

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