EU Supports Ground-breaking CO2 Capture at Cemex’s Rüdersdorf Cement Plant
A revolutionary step toward decarbonising the cement industry is underway at Cemex’s Rüdersdorf Cement Plant in Germany, where the European Union has thrown its financial weight behind a pioneering CO2 capture initiative.
A consortium, led by Cemex and global industrial gases and engineering powerhouse Linde, has secured a substantial €157 million from the EU Innovation Fund to drive forward this ambitious project, which could redefine the future of cement production.
Cemex’s Largest Carbon Capture Venture
The project, slated as Cemex’s most significant Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) initiative to date, aims to capture an impressive 1.3 million metric tonnes of CO2 annually. The endgame? To decarbonise Rüdersdorf’s operations entirely by 2030. This innovative effort forms a critical part of Cemex’s broader sustainability agenda, Future in Action, which seeks to slash emissions across its global operations.
Sergio Menéndez, President of Cemex Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia, remarked: “Our Future in Action climate strategy is actively driving a range of revolutionary CCUS projects. While we’re working hard to decarbonise using existing technology — reduce before capture — breakthrough solutions like this are essential to reaching Net Zero. The Rüdersdorf project embodies this strategy and has the potential to significantly advance the decarbonisation of the cement sector.”
Linde’s HISORP® Technology at the Core
At the heart of this ground-breaking initiative lies Linde’s proprietary HISORP® technology. Making its global debut at Rüdersdorf, this cutting-edge cryogenic-adsorptive process is set to capture CO2 directly from the plant’s exhaust gases at the emission source. The process doesn’t just capture CO2—it purifies, compresses, and liquefies it for transport. Once prepared, the liquid CO2 will be shipped off to a North Sea offshore storage facility, where it will be stored permanently, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere.
The project doesn’t stop there. It also incorporates green electricity generation and recycles water obtained from the exhaust gases—demonstrating the commitment to environmental sustainability that is essential for long-term decarbonisation.
A Roadmap to Net Zero
The Rüdersdorf project isn’t an isolated effort. It’s part of Cemex’s broader roadmap to becoming a net-zero CO2 company by 2050. The company’s Future in Action programme, launched in 2020, has already seen record-breaking achievements in reducing carbon emissions across its operations. With initiatives like this, Cemex is leading the charge toward a greener construction sector, making massive strides towards the circular economy.
Cemex’s focus on the circular economy is particularly noteworthy. By increasing the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels, they’re not only reducing emissions but also cutting reliance on non-renewable resources. This shift is critical in a world where sustainability is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage.
How CCUS Could Transform the Cement Industry
Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) is fast gaining traction as a vital tool for industries that are traditionally hard to decarbonise, like cement production. The process, which captures carbon emissions before they’re released into the atmosphere, offers a potential solution to one of the construction sector’s biggest environmental challenges.
Cement production is notoriously carbon-intensive, accounting for nearly 8% of global CO2 emissions. The high temperatures required to produce cement clinker—an essential component—lead to significant emissions, both from the fuel combustion and the raw materials themselves. Enter CCUS, which, when integrated with advanced technologies like Linde’s HISORP®, can significantly reduce these emissions.
By capturing and storing CO2, the industry can mitigate its environmental impact while continuing to meet the world’s growing demand for infrastructure development. As more companies adopt similar technologies, the potential for global emissions reductions is enormous. Cemex’s project at Rüdersdorf could well become a blueprint for future decarbonisation efforts across the sector.
The Role of Collaboration in Driving Innovation
The success of the Rüdersdorf project also underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling the climate crisis. By partnering with Linde, Cemex is leveraging decades of expertise in industrial gases and CO2 capture technology. But this collaboration extends beyond just two companies—the EU’s financial backing plays a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s viability.
The European Union’s commitment to funding innovative climate solutions is a clear signal that governments and industries must work hand-in-hand to address global warming. With €157 million in support, the Rüdersdorf project is a shining example of how public-private partnerships can catalyse real, impactful change.
The Path Forward
Looking ahead, the Rüdersdorf project is just the tip of the iceberg for Cemex. The company’s Future in Action initiative has laid the foundation for a wide array of projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability throughout the construction value chain. This includes the development of alternative fuels, digital technologies, and innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
As Cemex continues to innovate, the company remains committed to delivering sustainable products and solutions that not only meet the needs of today’s construction industry but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
A Bright Future for Sustainable Construction
The collaboration between Cemex, Linde, and the European Union is a bold step toward transforming one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries. By embracing advanced technologies and committing to long-term sustainability goals, Cemex is leading the charge toward a more sustainable construction future.
As the Rüdersdorf project comes to life, it represents more than just a technological breakthrough—it’s a beacon of hope for the entire cement industry and a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets collaboration.
