The capture, transport, and storage of CO 2 is well regulated and scientifically proven to be safe. Storage technologies have been in use for more than 50 years. Moreover, CO 2 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 CO 2 that have existed for millions of years.

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage

Q: What is CCUS?

The carbon capture process involves capturing CO 2 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 CO 2 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 CO 2 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.

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

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

Reducing CO₂ emissions from low-carbon formulations to renewable energy.
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 CCUS projects around the world and a commitment to invest CHF 2 billion by 2030, we are leading our industry’s transition to a net-zero future.

Our projects are based on mature technologies, driven by the strength of our engineering teams and advanced partnerships across the value chain. This robust and highly diversified roadmap makes Holcim uniquely positioned as the partner of choice to scale up carbon capture technologies.

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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.”

Jan Jenisch, Chairman and CEO

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, 11 are 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: 1.1 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: 2028

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: 366,000 tons
Net-zero by: 2028

Le Teil, France

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

Annual CO₂ capture: 195,000 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

Storage

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

Mineralization

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

Conversion utilization

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

Market utilization

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

KOdeCO net zero: Accelerating carbon capture in Croatia

GO4ZERO: Driving decarbonization in Belgium with CCUS

GOCO2: Unlocking the potential of CCUS in western France

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.

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