Holcim has officially commenced the construction of its new GO4ZERO plant in Belgium, marking a significant step towards sustainable building practices. The initiative is part of Holcim’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in line with European Union’s decarbonization goals. This groundbreaking project will leverage innovative technologies to produce net zero cement, significantly contributing to global efforts in combating climate change.
Holcim, established in 1912, is a global leader in building materials and solutions, providing cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and asphalt. The company has a strong commitment towards sustainability and aims to lead in innovative and sustainable building solutions. With its headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, Holcim operates in over 70 countries and employs thousands of workers globally.
Investment and Production Goals
The company plans to invest more than €500 million in the GO4ZERO plant, which is projected to produce 2 million tons of net zero cement annually by 2029. This move aims at significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the cement production process, which is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Initially, the GO4ZERO project will utilize an air-oxyfuel switchable kiln with carbon purification technology, aimed at a 30% reduction in emissions intensity. The project’s subsequent phase will capture and purify CO2 using Air Liquide’s Cryocap technology. The captured CO2 will be sequestered under the North Sea, enhancing the project’s environmental impact.
Energy and Raw Material Alternatives
Over 95% of the plant’s energy will come from alternative fuels, including Europe’s largest installation of floating solar panels. Additionally, more than 30% of the raw materials will be sourced from partially decarbonized waste generated by other industries, further minimizing the environmental footprint.
This sustainable approach aligns with Holcim’s broader commitments announced last year, which include investing CHF2 billion in carbon capture technologies by 2030 and capturing over 5 million tons of CO2 annually. The company also targets reducing Scope 1 emissions by more than 22% per ton of cementitious material by 2030.
EU Support and Funding
Holcim’s GO4ZERO project has received significant support from the EU Innovation Fund, with a grant of €230 million. The fund, financed by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative low-carbon technologies. This project is a critical component of the European Green Deal’s objective to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Key Takeaways
- Holcim is investing over €500 million in the GO4ZERO plant to produce net zero cement.
- The plant will use advanced carbon purification and capture technologies to reduce emissions.
- The project will source over 95% of its energy from alternative fuels and use decarbonized raw materials.
Holcim’s GO4ZERO project is not just a significant investment in sustainable technology but also a testament to the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. By incorporating advanced carbon capture and alternative energy sources, Holcim is setting a benchmark in the cement production industry. The substantial grant from the EU Innovation Fund underscores the project’s importance and potential to contribute to Europe’s climate goals. As the construction progresses, it will be essential to monitor its impact and effectiveness in meeting its ambitious targets by 2029. This project could serve as a model for other industries aiming to achieve net zero emissions and highlights the crucial role of innovative technologies in this endeavor.
