Hydrogen Application in the Cement Sector: An In-depth Analysis: HiiROC and Cemex Ventures Collaborate
Cemex, one of the world's leading building materials companies, has announced a strategic partnership with HiiROC, a UK-based hydrogen startup. The collaboration aims to revolutionize the cement industry by reducing carbon emissions and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
HiiROC specializes in a revolutionary hydrogen solution for the transition to a 'Hydrogen Economy'. Their technology, which is world-leading, versatile, economical, efficient, and scalable, focuses on producing zero-emission hydrogen fuel. This fuel can replace fossil fuels in industrial processes, such as those used in cement production, a major CO2 emitter.
The goal of this partnership is to provide a clean, hydrogen-based alternative for the cement industry, replacing coal in heat generation and significantly reducing the carbon footprint of cement manufacturing. This aligns with Cemex's ambition to lower CO2 emissions in cement production by transitioning to clean hydrogen energy sources.
HiiROC's innovative process, Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE), is as cost-effective as steam methane reforming but without the need for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCUS). This approach supports Cemex's broader efforts to achieve a zero-carbon future for traditionally high-emission sectors.
One of the key advantages of HiiROC's technology is its co-product, carbon black. This emission-free byproduct is valuable and can be used in numerous industrial applications.
Plans exist to extend HiiROC's innovative technology across Cemex's EMEA operations in the medium run, expanding their involvement with the startup. The collaboration between HiiROC and Cemex is currently focusing on Cemex's cement plant in Rugby, United Kingdom. The aim is to increase hydrogen injection in Cemex's cement kilns and elevate the substitution rate of fossil fuels.
This collaboration propels Cemex towards achieving the net-zero CO2 status by 2050, as outlined in its Future in Action sustainability program. The partnership also provides HiiROC with increased financial investment, supply opportunities with a major player in the building materials industry, and access to expertise and specialized knowledge.
The technology is applicable across various sectors, including power generation, blending, and industrial decarbonization. HiiROC's hydrogen production process consumes a fraction of the energy and costs associated with water electrolysis, mitigating the drawbacks of traditional methods like steam methane reforming.
The co-founders of HiiROC include Tim Davies (CEO), Ate Wiekamp (CSO), and Simon Morris (CCO). Cemex made its inaugural investment in HiiROC in 2021, marking the start of this groundbreaking partnership.
This news marks a significant step forward in the fight against climate change, as the cement industry accounts for around 8% of global CO2 emissions. By partnering with HiiROC, Cemex is demonstrating its commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
- The strategic partnership between Cemex and HiiROC aims to revolutionize the cement industry by introducing innovation in the form of HiiROC's revolutionary hydrogen solution, paving the way for a more sustainable hydrogen economy.
- The collaboration between Cemex and HiiROC focuses on producing zero-emission hydrogen fuel, which can replace fossil fuels in industrial processes like cement production, thus significantly reducing carbon footprints and contributing to industry sustainability.
- This partnership, aligned with Cemex's ambition to lower CO2 emissions, harnesses HiiROC's technology that is cost-effective, efficient, and scalable, focusing on the production of hydrogen energy for a cleaner, zero-carbon future in traditionally high-emission sectors like the cement industry.
