CURRENT SITUATION

The European Green Deal targets (40% GHG emission reduction by 2030, climate neutrality by 2050) are a major challenge for the energy-intensive process industry. While renewable energy can alleviate a significant part of GHG emissions, it offers no solution for process-inherent emissions. The cement industry (responsible for 6-8% of global GHG emissions) is looking for alternative materials to replace Portland clinker, to reduce the enormous amounts of CO₂ emitted during the calcination of limestone. This need is particularly dire given the steel industry’s transition to H2-based DRI-EAF, thereby phasing out blast furnace slag as cement replacement. Capture can assist in the abatement of CO₂ emissions, but it is costly.

Europe to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

At least 55% less net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Three billion additional trees to be planted in the EU by 2030.

Carbon4Minerals CONCEPT

A flowchart illustrating carbon capture and low carbon construction products. It shows CO2 sources from brick, steel, and cement industries, their capture methods, and subsequent use in producing low carbon construction materials.

We aim to utilise CO₂ from industrial flue gases for the production of a wide range of low-carbon building material intermediates and construction end-products. Additional CO₂-emission reductions are obtained by replacing CO₂-intensive Portland clinker and using secondary raw materials (steel slags, construction waste).

GOALS

Illustration of a gear combined with circuit lines symbolizing technology and engineering.

A total of 8 industrial pilots to be built and operated across the process value chain from CO₂ capture to cement production and low-carbon construction products.

Magnifying glass with a bar chart and an electrocardiogram line inside.

Technical, environmental, and economic feasibility will be validated by an integrated assessment and the development of a service life test package tailored to these new products.

Open book with a light bulb above it, symbolizing ideas or learning.

Co-learning modules to be developed to support industrial implementation and market introduction. A consortium of technology providers, producers and research partners will develop, test, and demonstrate the processes.