US carbon-capture technology firm becomes an associate corporate member of the WCA
THE World Cement Association (WCA) has further expanded its international network of members by welcoming Blue Planet as an associate corporate member.
Blue Planet is a Silicon Valley-based company which has developed a novel and cost-effective carbon-capture and utilization system that permanently removes carbon dioxide from the air.
Its technology uses CO2 as a raw material to manufacture carbonate rocks that can be used in place of quarried natural limestone. CO2 from flue gas is converted to carbonate by bringing CO2-containing gas into contact with a water-based capture solution.
The process is said to differentiate Blue Planet from most carbon-capture methods as the captured CO2 does not require a purification step, which is an energy and capital-intensive process.
‘With cement being the source of roughly 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and current technologies unable to achieve the levels of decarbonization needed to meet the Paris climate goals, it is vital for our members to be engaging with innovative technology providers developing scalable commercial solutions for CO2 mitigation,’ said Ian Riley, chief executive officer of the WCA.
‘By bringing the latest technologies and best practice to the attention of our industry members, we increase the chance of evolving a sustainable cement ecosystem. I am, therefore, especially pleased to welcome Blue Planet, and look forward to their input on improving industry standards worldwide.’
Blue Planet have been involved in several major projects, including at San Francisco International Airport, where their limestone-coated lightweight aggregate was used in concrete mixes.
‘Blue Planet were launched specifically to mitigate global CO2 emissions by transforming them into synthetic limestone aggregate for use in concrete, so our mission is very closely aligned with the WCA’s efforts in the climate change arena,’ said Brent Constantz, founder and chief executive officer of Blue Planet.
‘We have been impressed with the WCA’s work towards decarbonization and the quality of its member support and engagement programmes, so we are very much looking forward to collaborating on our shared goals.’
