# Decarbonization technologies for cement production

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/decarbonization-technologies-for-cement-production
> Updated: 2026-08-25T11:35:13.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 4.

Researchers and engineers are developing new methods to mitigate the high carbon emissions associated with cement manufacturing. 

Initial research from ETH Zurich proposed integrating cement plants with Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology through calcium looping. By utilizing electric-powered kilns, the study suggests production could potentially become carbon negative by 2050, depending on the decarbonization of the electricity grid.

In Germany, practical applications are advancing with a membrane-based test facility in Höver. Developed by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon and brought to market by Cool Planet Technologies, the plant at the Holcim Deutschland facility aims to filter CO2 directly from flue gases, with a long-term goal of removing up to 90 percent of process emissions. This project is supported by federal funding for industry and climate protection.

In Austria, the Association of the Austrian Cement Industry has called for a legal framework for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), following a move by Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer to establish such regulations. Industry representatives noted that while they have already displaced nearly 90 percent of fossil fuels with local waste, the final stage of decarbonization requires the ability to capture, transport, and store CO2.

Newer developments include studies at the CEMEX Santa Rosa plant in Colombia regarding LC3 cement. This formulation uses calcined clay to partially substitute clinker, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 32 percent. Additionally, researchers at Stanford University in the United States are exploring electric plasma heating to produce cement without burning fossil fuels, targeting the high temperatures required for clinker production.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Innovations target CO2 reduction in cement production

New industrial and academic developments aim to decarbonize cement production through LC3 clay-based formulations and electric plasma heating technologies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/innovations-target-co2-reduction-in-cement-production

### 2026-08-25: Cement industry advances carbon capture technology and policy

The cement industry is implementing carbon capture technologies, including a new membrane test plant in Germany, while Austrian industry leaders welcome new legal frameworks for CO2 storage.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cement-industry-advances-carbon-capture-technology-and-policy

### 2026-08-22: New technology targets CO2 emissions in cement production

Researchers and engineers are testing new membrane technologies and calcium looping systems to significantly reduce or even reverse CO2 emissions in cement production.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-technology-targets-co2-emissions-in-cement-production

### 2026-08-13: ETH Zurich researchers propose integrating cement plants with Direct Air Capture

ETH Zurich researchers suggest integrating cement production with Direct Air Capture technology to reduce emissions and remove atmospheric CO2 using calcium looping processes.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eth-zurich-researchers-propose-integrating-cement-plants-with-direct-air-capture

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Cite as: Decarbonization technologies for cement production. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/decarbonization-technologies-for-cement-production