Revolutionizing Cement Production: Heidelberg Materials and EU Innovation Fund Launch €191 Million GeZero Project for Germany's First Fully Decarbonized Cement Plant
On December 15, 2023, Heidelberg Materials announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the EU Innovation Fund, securing a €191 million grant for their pioneering GeZero project at the Geseke cement plant in Northern Germany. This initiative marks a significant step towards decarbonizing the cement industry, with GeZero positioned as the first fully decarbonized cement plant in Germany.
The project's primary objective is to establish a comprehensive Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) system at the Geseke plant. This system is designed to capture approximately 700,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually starting from 2029. The substantial funding from the EU Innovation Fund complements Heidelberg Materials' significant investment in this venture.
The EU Innovation Fund, renowned for supporting innovative low-carbon technologies, has chosen to invest heavily in the development of a unique CCS value chain at Geseke. This decision aligns with the fund's commitment to promoting sustainable and low-emission technologies. The project is set to commence officially on January 1, 2024, with the Geseke plant anticipated to produce the first carbon-captured net-zero cement and clinker in Germany.
Dr. Nicola Kimm, Chief Sustainability Officer at Heidelberg Materials, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in their decarbonization strategy by European authorities. He highlighted the recent launch of the evoZero brand, the world's first carbon-captured net-zero cement. Initially available through their Brevik CCS project in Norway, the brand will expand its reach once other projects like GeZero become operational.
Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action, and Energy in North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasized the project's significance for the region, known for housing a third of Germany's cement production. She hailed GeZero as a flagship project, demonstrating how climate protection can be achieved in energy-intensive industries through innovative technologies and processes. The initiative is seen as a crucial step towards a sustainable, climate-neutral future in cement production in North Rhine-Westphalia and beyond.
GeZero's approach is multifaceted, involving the construction of a new capture facility and an oxyfuel kiln. The project also includes a unique CO₂ transport solution via train, bridging the gap until a pipeline infrastructure is established. The captured CO₂ will be transported to Wintershall Dea’s CO₂ hub for safe storage in the North Sea. Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in 2026, with commissioning planned for 2029.
Christian Knell, General Manager Germany of Heidelberg Materials, affirmed their commitment to leading the way in CCUS in Germany. He noted that GeZero's novel approach for inland cement sites aims to inspire other industry players and emission-intensive sectors.
The EU Innovation Fund, through its third call for large-scale projects, had received 239 applications, with 37 projects, including Heidelberg Materials’ ANRAV projects in Bulgaria, being selected for funding. The ANRAV project, set to be the first full-chain CCUS facility in Eastern Europe, aims to capture about 800,000 t of CO₂ per year from 2028.