In Brevik, Norway, Heidelberg Materials’ groundbreaking project aims to capture carbon dioxide emissions from cement production. This innovative approach could set a new standard for the industry’s decarbonization efforts. If successful, it could help the cement sector achieve a third of its targeted carbon savings by 2050.
Photograph: Ajit Niranjan/The Guardian
The Significance of Carbon Capture in Cement Production
The cement industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing aviation and fast fashion. Despite this, few steps have been taken to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Some manufacturers have adopted cleaner fuels and reused industrial waste. However, addressing emissions from key chemical processes responsible for 60% of the industry’s carbon footprint remains challenging.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is critical in the roadmaps to a clean economy by IEA and IPCC. Although costly, energy-intensive, and historically unreliable, CCS remains the most advanced solution for the cement industry.
The Brevik CCS Project: A Game-Changer for the Cement Industry
The Brevik plant, owned by Heidelberg Materials, is set to become the first to capture carbon in cement production. The project involves a 100-meter-tall metal tube to trap carbon dioxide emitted from the plant’s processes. By year-end, the facility is expected to be fully operational, potentially inspiring investments into carbon-free concrete.
Heidelberg Materials plans to ship, pipe, and pump the captured carbon beneath the Norwegian seabed. This is part of the Northern Lights project, a collaboration between Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies. The project is key to Norway’s “Longship” initiative, aiming to establish the first cross-border CCS infrastructure.
Challenges and Opportunities for Carbon-Free Cement
While the Brevik CCS project is significant, other solutions to reduce emissions should be considered. These include substituting clinker with waste materials and lowering concrete demand through efficient building and city design. Overreliance on CCS could burden producers, consumers, and taxpayers.
The success of the Brevik project and similar initiatives depends on their ability to reduce emissions and cost-effectiveness. Carbon-free cement is expected to come at a premium, which may initially limit its market share. Early adopters such as sustainable architecture firms, tech companies, and public authorities could drive demand.
To make low-carbon cement more accessible and affordable, it is crucial to learn from early projects and reduce costs. By turning carbon-free cement from a curiosity into a commodity, the industry can contribute to fighting climate change.
Read more: The Northern Lights Project: Norway’s First CO₂ Storage License
