Heidelberg Materials, Europe’s largest cement producer, is urging the incoming German government to swiftly establish regulations and approvals for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology within the country.
Dominik von Achten, the company’s CEO, stated in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung that the implementation of CCS is a pressing matter, emphasizing the need to define which industries will be permitted to utilize the technology. Currently, CCS is effectively prohibited in Germany. While former Minister for Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, proposed regulatory frameworks, their implementation did not progress during his tenure.
The new German government has signaled its intent to develop similar regulations and views CCS as a potentially valuable tool. However, the practice of storing CO2 remains contentious within Germany, with critics raising concerns about potential risks such as leakage and unforeseen long-term costs. Von Achten dismissed these reservations, asserting that stored carbon dioxide poses no inherent danger.
He argued that retaining CO2 within Germany is crucial, particularly in regions where export is impractical. He specifically highlighted the potential disadvantage faced by southern German states like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg if they are unable to store CO2 domestically. Given the difficulty in eliminating CO2 emissions during cement production, Heidelberg Materials views CCS as a vital pathway to mitigate the industry’s substantial environmental impact. Von Achten believes this technology will provide a competitive advantage for the company.
Currently, Heidelberg Materials is the highest-emitting company within the Dax index. The company recently inaugurated a CCS facility in Brevik, Norway, in June, integrated with a cement plant. This facility captures and liquefies CO2, which is then shipped and stored deep within the seabed off the Norwegian coast. The Norwegian state funded over 80% of the facility’s total investment of €400 million.