TotalEnergies and Holcim in Belgium have joined forces through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to achieve the complete decarbonization of a cement production facility in Obourg, Belgium. The partnership aims to address the approximately 1.3 million metric tons of CO2 emitted annually by the plant through the evaluation of various energy sources and technologies for efficient capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) of the emissions.

Both companies will contribute their leading technologies and expertise to explore and develop the project, including the implementation of an innovative air-oxyfuel switchable kiln. This advanced kiln will facilitate the capture and purification of CO2 from flue gases as part of Holcim’s ongoing upgrade of the cement plant. TotalEnergies will play a role in transporting and utilizing the captured CO2, potentially for innovative e-fuel production or geological storage in the North Sea.

TotalEnergies will also assess the development of renewable projects to power a new electrolyzer, generating green hydrogen required for e-fuel production. This renewable energy capacity will not only support the new oxyfuel kiln at Holcim’s cement plant but also contribute to its overall decarbonization efforts. The oxygen produced by the electrolyzer will be utilized as fuel for the new kiln.

The collaborative solution between TotalEnergies and Holcim aims to achieve full decarbonization of the cement plant’s emissions, setting a significant precedent in reducing emissions from the challenging cement industry. By combining a range of technologies and decarbonized solutions, this partnership demonstrates a milestone in decarbonizing heavy industries and their hard-to-abate emissions. The project aligns with TotalEnergies’ commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and supports Holcim’s ambition to establish net carbon-neutral clinker plants in northwest Europe.

TotalEnergies and Holcim are committed to developing sustainable and carbon-neutral industries, working in partnership with clients and in line with their decarbonization strategies. The collaboration showcases their dedication to driving the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future, particularly within the cement sector.