TITAN Group's H2CEM innovative project for producing and using green hydrogen in the cement industry is included in the second Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) 'Hy2Use'.
H2CEM, with a total budget of €60 million, is currently the only project in the second IPCEI that concerns the use of hydrogen as a climate-neutral fuel for cement production. The project will contribute to Greece-headquartered TITAN Group's target to improve the carbon footprint of its operations, supporting the European goal for 55% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
With the goal to enhance the substitution of fossil fuels with green hydrogen and other sustainably sourced fuels, H2CEM includes the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis, powered by renewable energy sources, at TITAN cement plants in Greece (Kamari in Viotia, Drepano in Achaia and Efkarpia in Thessaloniki). Industrial deployment of green hydrogen in these plants will lead to reducing CO2 emissions by 160,000 tons per year (at least 8% per ton of product).
In addition, H2CEM includes the construction and operation of a pilot-scale rotary kiln, designed to run with hydrogen as the main fuel for cement clinker production. Considering the significant technical challenges of transitioning to green hydrogen as climate-neutral fuel for the cement industry, research and development activities in H2CEM will lead to a deeper understanding of hydrogen combustion phenomena, especially in terms of designing and operating cement production facilities in the future. In this respect, H2CEM is considered a milestone project on the European cement industry roadmap towards decarbonisation.
H2CEM is the only Greek project approved for state aid within the IPCEI Hy2Use, following a rigorous assessment by the European Commission, for activities related to research and innovation, first industrial deployment, and construction of relevant infrastructure in the hydrogen value chain. An important aspect of the project is creating a network between research and academic entities in Greece and Europe, as well as green hydrogen technology and Renewable Energy Sources providers. The implementation of the project will also result in the creation of new, highly skilled job opportunities, in addition to dissemination to the Greek and European cement industry, social and other stakeholders.
