Cemex's Knoxville cement plant in Tennessee has been chosen by the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) to host a new carbon capture, removal, and conversion test centre. The project is one of five selected to share a total of US$101m in funding, aimed at advancing decarbonisation efforts in cement and power facilities across the country.
In collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a coalition of US cement producers, Cemex will develop the conceptual design, business model and technical structures for the centre. The project's first phase will focus on planning and design, while the second phase, subject to a competitive selection process, will involve construction and operation. The test centre will evaluate advanced carbon capture technologies to support the cement sector’s net-zero ambitions.
Jaime Muguiro, president of Cemex US, stated, "We are excited that our Knoxville plant has been selected to lead this critical initiative. Through collaboration with the University of Illinois and industry partners, Cemex remains committed to accelerating decarbonisation solutions."
The Net-Zero Center of Excellence at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will spearhead the centre’s development. Director Kevin O’Brien highlighted the partnership as a strategic step in advancing carbon capture technologies in cement production.
The initiative aligns with Cemex's 'Future in Action' programme, which aims to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Cemex continues to explore CCUS solutions, including CO2 storage and utilisation from biogenic sources, as part of its broader sustainability strategy.
