Cement is one of the most frequently used building materials in the world, but its production is a main source for carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂). Holcim, a worldwide leading provider of building materials, is working on changing this. The company officially launched the Olympus project in Milaki, Greece. This project uses advanced carbon capture technology to reduce emissions and aim to determine a new standard for the cement industry.
This big step in a sustainable building aims to create a modern carbon capture system. It will make 2 million tons of zero zero cement by 2029. Supports from the Heracles Group, the project plans to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. It will also create over 1,000 jobs, which benefits both the environment and the local economy.
What tries to achieve the Olympus project?
The traditional cement production has a strong impact on the planet and releases 8% of global CO₂ emissions. This is because the production of cement contains heating limestone at very high temperatures. This releases a large amount of carbon dioxide.
Holcim wants to change this with his Olympic project. The new system in Milaki will use advanced carbon capture technology. Its goal is to produce 2 million tons of zero zero cement per year from 2029. This means that the cement manufactured at the location has very low carbon emissions compared to conventional cement.
The project supports the wider goal of the European Union of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. It also supports the Clean Industrial Deal of the EU, which is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industries. Holcim's initiative will achieve more than just the environmental goals. It will also create employment opportunities for the local economy throughout the project life cycle.
Miljan Gutovic, CEO Holcim Group, said:
“Holcim is on track to implement almost zero cement and specifically reality this decade. The Olympus project in Greece is one of the seven large-scale, European Union, the European union versions, CO2 recording, use and storage projects that are on 8 million-no-Azer information on the latest status of Carbon-no-furniture.
How carbon intake at Olympus works
The Olympus system uses two state -of -the -art systems: Oxycalciner and Cryocap ™ FG. These technologies catch carbon dioxide from cement production and save or reuse. Together they can record about 1 million tons of CO₂ per year with full capacity. This significantly lowers the harmful emissions of the cement manufacturing process.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an approach that is recognized by experts and political managers as essential for combating climate change. The European Union sees CCS as an important part of its strategy for decarbonizing industries such as cement, steel and chemicals.
Holcim's introduction of CCS also reflects a growing trend in the construction sector to use cleaner, technological practices. The manufacture of 2 million tons of zero zero cement per year helps to reduce emissions under construction. This supports the federal states in achieving climate goals and reducing environmental pollution by buildings.
Together with the environmental goals, the system will have strong economic effects. The efforts will require an investment of € 400 million, including € 125 million from the EU innovation fund.
In addition, over 1,000 construction work and over 100 long -term roles will be brought in after the operations begin. The facility will support hundreds of families and strengthen the local economy.
This initiative is also a large part of Holcim's commitment to decarbonize their operations and achieve its net zero goal.
Holcims net zero journey: progress and initiatives
By 2050, Holcim has committed to becoming a net zero company with a clear, science-based roadmap, which is aligned with the 1.5 ° C climacary validated by the Science Based Initiative (SBTI). The company's net-zero strategy covers all greenhouse gas emissions in its value chain, including:
- Area 1 (direct emissions), scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy) and scope 3 (other indirect emissions such as those from supply chains and product consumption).
Key destinations and progress:
- Short -term goals: Holcim aims to reduce gross circumference 1 and 2 emissions by 26.2% per ton of cement -like materials by 2030 (from 2018) and 3 emissions by 25.1% per ton of clinker and cement until 2030 (from 2020) (from 2020).
- Long -term goals: By 2050, Holcim will aim to reduce emissions 1 and 2 by 95% and a reduction in absolute scope of 3 emissions by 90%.
The company has already made progress to reduce its CO₂ emission intensity per tonne product and to increase the use of alternative and renewable fuels.
Initiatives to reduce emissions from large emissions:
Holcim's Net-Zero trip is powered by several initiatives:
CO2 recording, use and storage (CCUS): Holcim plans to invest CHF 2 billion by 2030 CCUs technologies to record more than 5 million tons of CO₂ per year and to produce 8 million tons of net cement per year. Projects such as Olympus in Greece and Go4zero in Belgium illustrate this obligation.
Alternative fuels and raw materials: The company replaces fossil fuels with biomass and other fuel derived from waste in its cement furnaces and reduces the dependence on carbon -intensive energy sources.
Carbon products: Holcim offers green concrete (Ecopact) and green cement (Ecoplanet), which have significantly lower CO2 footprints than conventional products. These products enable customers to reduce their own emissions in construction projects.
Radio and recycling: Holcim is a leader in the recycling of construction and demolition waste worldwide after he recycled 6.8 million tons in 2022 and targeted 10 million tons by 2025. This reduces the need for raw materials in virgin raw materials and lowers the entire emissions.
Smart design and digital innovation: Technologies such as the 3D printing enable Holcim to build less material without compromises with up to 70% less material, which further affects the performance.
Holcim's Net-Zero trip combines ambitious goals, considerable investments in CO2 recording and renewable energies, innovative carbon-low products and practices from the circular economy. These initiatives show measurable progress and a comprehensive plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
What do the market trends show for cement and carbon recording?
The worldwide demand for cement is expected to increase due to urbanization and infrastructure development. However, this growth represents challenges in reducing emissions. Without changes in production methods, CO₂ emissions from cement could reach 3.8 gigatons in 2050. CCUS technologies can reduce the life cycle -co₂ emissions from cement production by almost 70%.
The market for CO2 recording is growing rapidly. The experts assume that the global CCS market could reach 7.5 billion US dollars with an annual growth rate of 25.2%. Governments want more environmentally friendly industry practices.
This increases the demand for cleaner materials and emission technology. Projects such as Olympus prove that we can significantly reduce emissions. You can also increase future guidelines and investments in green technologies.
The introduction of CCUS technologies requires considerable investments. The cement costs are expected to rose from 90 to 130 US dollars per ton to at least $ 160 to 240 to $ 2050 because the CO2 recording systems are integrated.
Despite the costs, the large manufacturers still invest in CCUs. Successful projects such as Holcim's Olympus can promote innovation and promote more introduction in the industry.
Set an example of the construction industry
Holcim's Olympus project shows that it is possible to produce cement with much lower emissions with current technology. With the investment in the CO2 recording and the production of zero-zero cement, Holcim sets a benchmark for the global hardware store.
This effort helps to achieve the climate goals. It also increases the local economy and gives an example of the global construction industry. With increasing demand for cement, projects such as Olympus prove that it would be possible to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for people and the planet.