In an interesting move in the UK, HeidelbergCement subsidiary Hanson UK is taking part in a research project on the use of climate-neutral fuels for cement production.
HeidelbergCement says the project will investigate the potential to reduce carbon emissions by switching from fossil fuels to hydrogen and plasma technology.
Hanson UK will carry out cement production using hydrogen biomass fuels on an industrial scale at its Ribblesdale cement plant. The results will then be shared across the industry to maximise the environmental benefits of the technology.
Dr Dominik von Achten, CEO of HeidelbergCement, says: "We have been very effective across the Group in reducing our CO2 emissions, partly through the steadily increasing use of alternative fuels. In addition to our activities in the field of carbon capture, use and storage, this project in the United Kingdom is an important step towards realising our vision of producing CO2-neutral concrete by 2050"
The initiative has been coordinated by UK industry body the Mineral Products Association and is funded by a £3.2 million award from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
