LafargeHolcim Spain, Carbon Clean and Sistemas de Calor partner for the development of carbon capture plant
Published by Emily Thomas,
Deputy Editor
World Cement,
LafargeHolcim Spain, Carbon Clean and Sistemas de Calor have created ECCO2, a joint-venture for the development of a CO capture plant, using advanced technology in the cement factory of Carboneras (Almería). The three companies have been working on the project since the end of 2020, in order to assess its technical feasibility and benefits for the local community. The plant is expected to come online in early 2023.
The purpose of the project is to capture the CO2 emissions that are generated during the cement manufacturing process, treating the captured carbon dioxide and its subsequent agricultural use. The captured carbon will be used in greenhouses in the region, where it will improve crop productivity through a process known as carbon fertilisation, which mimics and enhances natural photosynthesis, increasing the eco-efficiency of crops by reducing the proportion of water and soil per kilogram of vegetable production. This circular carbon economy project will reduce CO emissions and it will offer a sustainable future.
Isidoro Miranda, CEO of LafargeHolcim Spain, points out that: “Thanks to the creation of this joint-venture, we are getting closer and closer to completing this project that will contribute to improving the competitiveness and efficiency of our factory, but also of local agricultural production compared to the high-tech greenhouses that already use this technique in other European countries”. He adds: “This circular economy business model, which will initially start with the capture of 10% of carbon dioxide emissions, will become an important milestone in our roadmap towards decarbonisation of the construction materials sector. "
For his part, Aniruddha Sharma, CEO of Carbon Clean, said: “We are delighted to announce this joint-venture, a milestone that consolidates the strategic relationship with LafargeHolcim Spain. We are confident that, coupled with LafargeHolcim's extensive expertise in cement manufacturing, Sistemas de Calor's expertise and our technology, this ambitious project will accelerate the development of the circular carbon economy in the cement industry in Europe."
Commitment to the environment and local economic development
The sustainable growth of industry and agriculture are priority and strategic issues for the future of the province of Almería. ECCO2 has been developed in response to this and will improve the environment by increasing the productivity of intensive agriculture in the region. In addition, the project is aligned with the criteria of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and will be eligible for European NEXT Generation funds.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/05012022/lafargeholcim-spain-carbon-clean-and-sistemas-de-calor-partner-for-the-development-of-carbon-capture-plant/
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