Heidelberg Materials announced the formal start of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project at its cement plant in Padeswood, North Wales. This decision comes after securing a funding agreement with the UK Government, enabling progress towards the construction of what will be the world’s first cement plant with a fully decarbonized production process.
A carbon-neutral cement plant with CCS technology
The facility will be equipped with amine absorption technology, making it possible to capture about 95 % of the emissions generated by the kiln and cogeneration plant. This is equivalent to 800,000 tons of CO₂ per year. A significant part of the CO₂ comes from biogenic fuels, which could turn the plant into a carbon sink.
Padeswood will become Heidelberg Materials’ second plant with this technology, after Brevik in Norway. The new plant will have a larger evoZero production capacity, the company’s carbon-neutral cement, increasing its availability throughout Europe and accelerating the transformation of construction to more sustainable models.
Local economic and environmental impact
The agreement with the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero is part of a strategy to drive green reindustrialization. The Padeswood CCS project is the first Heidelberg project in the country to receive final investment decision (FID) certification, supported by a regulatory framework that aims to reduce risk and encourage climate investment.
Construction will begin at the end of this year and is expected to start operations in 2029. During the process, up to 500 temporary jobs and 50 permanent positions will be created, in addition to maintaining more than 200 current jobs.
The captured CO₂ will be transported by subway pipeline for safe storage under the seabed in Liverpool Bay as part of the HyNet North West project.
Innovation applied from Brevik
The experience gained in Norway will be key to accelerate deployment and minimize risks in Wales. The project leverages the technical and operational learnings of the Brevik team, integrating best practices in this new phase.
With this initiative, Heidelberg Materials consolidates its position as a leader in solutions for the industrial decarbonization of cement. Heidelberg Materials is leading a tangible shift towards climate neutrality in the building materials sector.
Source and photo: Heidelberg Materials