TotalEnergies and Holcim signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the full decarbonization of a cement production facility that Holcim is upgrading in Obourg, Belgium.

The effective capture, use, and sequestration (CCUS) of the approximately 1.3 million metric tons of CO2 the facility emits annually will be evaluated using a variety of fuels and technologies.

To investigate and develop the project, each partner will offer their best-in-class technology and expertise, including:

As part of Holcim’s renovation of the current cement plant, a novel new air-oxyfuel switchable kiln that will make it easier to absorb and purify CO2 from the flue gases; and the transportation and use of the captured CO2 for an inventive plan to produce e-fuels by TotalEnergies, as well as the deposit in geological storage in the North Sea.

To power a new electrolyzer that would produce the green hydrogen necessary to create e-fuels, TotalEnergies will evaluate the development of renewable projects. In addition to powering Holcim’s new oxyfuel kiln, this increased capability for producing renewable energy will aid in the decarbonization of the cement plant. Finally, the new kiln would be fueled by the oxygen released by the electrolyzer.

“The unique, integrated and sustainable solution that we are looking to provide to Holcim for the full decarbonization of its cement plant emissions – with its range of technologies and new decarbonized molecules – is a first, marking a milestone in the decarbonization of heavy industry and its hard-to-abate emissions. We are pleased to partner with Holcim to work on the development of sustainable and carbon neutral industries in Europe, in partnership with our clients and in line with their decarbonization strategy,” said Christophe Sassolas, Senior Vice President, OneB2B Solutions at TotalEnergies.

“Cement industry decarbonization is extremely challenging because of the process’s inevitable CO2 emissions, which put us firmly in the hard-to-abate sector. CCUS is vital for Obourg to become the first net carbon neutral clinker plant in northwest Europe. We are very happy to work with TotalEnergies to accelerate the development of these CCUS solutions for GO4ZERO. By joining the first movers, we want to set the standards for future clinker manufacturing plants,” said Bart Daneels, CEO, Holcim Belgium.