CO2 capture pilot plant at Vernasca cement plant

Cement production is today one of the most carbon intensive industry, responsible for about 7-8% of the global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. As 50-60% of the CO2 emitted from cement manufacturing derives from the decomposition of calcium carbonate, most of the emissions cannot be avoided by using a renewable or carbon free energy source such as biomass, hydrogen or even electricity. Therefore, substantial CO2 emissions reduction in cement production can only be achieved by means of CO2 capture and storage techniques. The concept consists in capturing the generated CO2, transporting and permanently storing it in suitable geologic formation.

Several technologies may be used in future cement plants to capture the generated CO2 and avoid its emission into the atmosphere to produce nearly carbon-neutral cement. Our research group started working on processes for CO2 capture in cement plants about 10 years ago and specifically contributed in the development of the "Calcium Looping" process for cement plants. Today, the EU funded H2020 project "Cleanker" aims at demonstrating the Calcium Looping technology in an industrial environment, by building and testing a pilot plant connected to the Buzzi Unicem cement plant located in Vernasca (Italy).

After more than two years of intense design work by IKN and Buzzi Unicem engineers, erection has started and a beautiful Calcium looping pilot plant is soaring!