Heidelberg Materials and thyssenkrupp Polysius finalise agreement for carbon capture in cement production

Heidelberg Materials and thyssenkrupp Polysius have finalised a significant front-end engineering design contract concerning the clinker production line of the GeZero project, which is set to mark a pivotal development in the field of carbon capture and storage (CCS) within the cement industry. This innovative project, located in Geseke, Germany, aims to be among the first European cement plants capable of producing Net-Zero cement and clinker.

Planning for the GeZero project includes an ambitious carbon capture capacity of approximately 2,000 tonnes per day, utilising the advanced polysius® pure oxyfuel process. This technology is designed to separate carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during cement production from the exhaust gases. By employing pure oxygen for combustion instead of conventional ambient air, the process can capture nearly 100% of CO2 emissions generated during the production of cement clinker. The captured CO2 can subsequently be refined into high-purity gas, making it usable as a feedstock in the chemical industry or for various other raw material applications. Alternatively, it can be securely stored to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.

Miguel López, Chief Executive Officer of thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies, highlighted the potential impact of this technology, stating, "The use of polysius® pure oxyfuel technology offers considerable potential for projects such as GeZero. Taking the project in Geseke as an example, up to 3.5% of the German cement industry's emissions could be saved." He also noted the significant growth opportunities for innovative technologies such as this, given the annual global cement production exceeds four billion tonnes.

The project's involvement of thyssenkrupp Polysius has also been noted as a crucial factor in its viability. Christian Myland, CEO of thyssenkrupp Polysius, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, "We are proud to be involved in this flagship project for one of the world's leading cement manufacturers. It once again underlines the acceptance of the polysius® pure oxyfuel process developed by us as one of the most promising technologies for CO2 reduction in the construction industry."

Heidelberg Materials' commitment to the project was underscored by Christian Knell, CEO of Heidelberg Materials Deutschland, who stated, "The planning phase is of great importance for our pioneering projects such as GeZero. In this context, choosing the right partners is crucial to the success of the project." He emphasized the requirement for strong commitment from all partners to adhere to the project's demanding schedule.

The GeZero initiative not only focuses on carbon capture through advanced oxyfuel technology but also incorporates a plan for a CO2 purification and liquefaction facility. Moreover, to facilitate inland CCS operations, a rail transportation solution for CO2 is included in the planning until the necessary pipeline infrastructure can be established. A local CO2 storage hub is also intended to serve as an interim storage facility for captured emissions.

This innovative endeavour has garnered support from the EU Innovation Fund, which targets pivotal projects across Europe capable of yielding significant emissions reductions, reinforcing the GeZero project’s potential for long-term environmental impact within the cement sector.

Source: Noah Wire Services