Linde and Heidelberg Materials Begin Construction on Major Carbon Capture Facility for Cement Industry

On June 19, 2024, Linde and Heidelberg Materials conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for their significant carbon capture and liquefaction facility in Lengfurt, Germany. Christian Knell, General Manager of Heidelberg Materials Germany, and Andreas X. Müller, Managing Director of Linde Gas Germany, greeted approximately 50 guests at this pivotal event held at the construction site near the Lengfurt cement plant.

Christian Knell stated, "Here in Lengfurt, we're pioneering amine scrubbing technology to demonstrate large-scale CO2 capture and utilization within Germany's cement industry. Our innovative approach ensures that CO2 captured from cement production is processed for potential reuse in the food industry. This project underscores our commitment to minimizing the carbon footprint of our operations and products. We are excited to collaborate on this CCU initiative through our joint venture in Germany."

Andreas X Mueller remarks, "Our comprehensive CO2 value chain expertise enables us to assist customers in hard-to-decarbonize sectors with their decarbonization initiatives. The collaboration with Heidelberg Materials and the implementation of the Lengfurt project represent a major milestone in reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the cement industry. Furthermore, this facility allows us to broaden our offerings and ensure a reliable, high-quality supply of CO2 to our customers."

Heidelberg Materials and Linde have formed a joint venture named "Capture-to-Use" (CAP2U) to develop and manage a carbon capture and liquefaction facility slated for operation in 2025. This plant aims to repurpose captured CO2 from cement production as a valuable raw material for industrial applications. The processed gas, known for its high purity, will be suitable for use in both the food and chemical sectors. The anticipated annual production volume of purified and liquefied CO2 is approximately 70,000 tonnes.

Linde Engineering is responsible for the design and construction of the plant. Utilizing a specialized amine scrubbing system designed for flue gases, the facility will extract CO2 directly from a segment of the exhaust gas emitted by the cement clinker kiln. The project includes equipment for purification and liquefaction, intermediate storage tanks for the product, and loading facilities as integral components.

To support the project at the cement plant in Lengfurt, the joint venture's efforts will be bolstered by approximately €15 million in funding from the 'Decarbonisation of Industry' program, facilitated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

Heidelberg Materials is a global leader in building materials and solutions, renowned for its integrated manufacturing operations. The company occupies significant market positions in cement, aggregates, and ready-mixed concrete sectors. It operates in approximately 50 countries and employs about 51,000 people across nearly 3,000 locations.