Net zero CCUS planned for Heidelberg Edmonton

The Canadian federalgovernment last week agreed to invest in a carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) facility at cement maker Heidelberg Materials' Edmonton, Alberta, plant.

The CCUS facility, which is scheduled to begin operation in 2026, will have a carbon capture capacity of 1mn t/yr ofCO2.

The company anticipates capturing 95pc of the Edmonton plant's total CO2 emissions. Heidelberg did not respond to requests for more details about how the plant will reach net zero, but it may be planning to purchase offsets for the remaining 5pc of emissions.

The value of the Canadian government's investment was not disclosed.

Heidelberg in 2019 said carbon capture projects would be a key part of its strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Heidelberg announced last year that it will build its largest carbon capture plant in Mitchell, Indiana. It will have a carbon capture capacity of 2mn t/yr.

The group aims to have 10mn t/yr of CO2 capture capacity by 2030.

CCUS technology allows cement plants to continue to use petroleum coke and other fossil fuels while also eliminating their carbon footprint. It allows for CO2 to be captured and reused as raw material in other industrial processes.

The cement industry has more than 100 CCUS projects planned as part of its goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, according to the Global Cement and Concrete Association.

ByHunter Fite