New CCS trial at Ketton cement works

Hanson and C-Capture in BEIS-funded carbon capture project as part of race to Net Zero

HANSON’s Ketton cement works in Rutland is part of a new BEIS-funded carbon capture project, through its Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which aims to provide a low-cost solution to decarbonization.

The multi-industry project will see C-Capture’s carbon capture technology, which uses a solvent to selectively capture the CO2 produced, implemented at a number of sites across the country. The process requires 40% less energy than other carbon capture technologies, significantly reducing its cost.

Hanson chief executive officer Simon Willis said: ‘Carbon capture is a critical part of our strategy to decarbonize cement production and essential if we are to reach net-zero carbon by 2050.

‘Our Padeswood cement works in north Wales is already part of the HyNet North West carbon capture and storage project and this new venture at our Ketton works is another example of our commitment to developing new technologies.

‘If successful, the C-Capture process has the potential to be rolled-out across other sites across the HeidelbergCement Group.’

C-Capture’s system can be retrofitted to existing cement kilns or designed into new ones and the CO2 captured can be compressed and sent for storage in safe, geological reserves, or utilized in other industries.

Tom White, chief executive officer at C-Capture, said: ‘We are delighted to be collaborating with companies that have a strong commitment to decarbonization and are early adopters of novel carbon capture technology. Together we will demonstrate how the UK economy can be decarbonized more quickly and at lower cost.’

In addition to the project at Hanson’s Ketton cement works, trials are also being carried out in the glass industry and at a energy-from-waste plant in Hull. If successful, commercial scale C-Capture facilities could be in place by 2030.