Cement industry advances carbon capture technology and policy

The cement industry is advancing decarbonization efforts through new technological applications and legislative support. In Germany, Holcim Deutschland has commissioned a membrane-based test plant at its Höver facility. Developed by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon and brought to market by Cool Planet Technologies, the innovative system aims to capture up to 90 percent of CO2 emissions from plant exhaust. The project is supported by federal funding for industry and climate protection.

In Austria, the Association of the Austrian Cement Industry has welcomed a move by Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer to establish a legal framework for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Industry representatives noted that while they have already invested heavily in circular economy practices and energy efficiency—displacing nearly 90 percent of fossil fuels with local waste—the final stage of decarbonization requires the ability to capture, transport, and store CO2. The industry has highlighted that the lack of a legal framework in Austria has previously resulted in missed opportunities for EU climate funding.