Heidelberg Materials is set to construct the world's first full-scale carbon capture facility for cement production at its Padeswood works in north Wales, after reaching a Final Investment Decision (FID) with the UK Government.

The project will enable the production of evoZero, net zero cement, from 2029, marking a major milestone in decarbonising construction materials.

Construction at the Padeswood site will begin later this year. The facility is designed to capture around 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year from the existing cement works. Captured emissions, including biogenic carbon from biomass fuels, will be compressed and transported via underground pipeline for secure storage under the seabed in Liverpool Bay as part of the HyNet North West project.

-- Advertisement --

Simon Willis, CEO at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: "Our new facility at Padeswood will be a world-leader. It will capture around 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year from our existing cement works, allowing us to produce evoZero carbon captured net zero cement, which will help the UK construction industry reach its decarbonisation aims."

The project will secure more than 200 existing jobs and create around 50 permanent new roles, alongside up to 500 jobs during construction, providing significant economic benefits to the north Wales region.

Cement production releases unavoidable CO₂ emissions due to its chemical manufacturing process. Carbon capture and storage is currently the only technology capable of removing these emissions at scale, making Padeswood a crucial project for the UK's construction industry. The facility is expected to capture around 95 per cent of site emissions, with the potential for net negative cement from the kiln’s biomass fuels.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: "This trailblazing cement works showcases the north Wales workforce on the global stage – leading the charge in the clean industries of the future and powering Britain's reindustrialisation through this UK-first project."

Padeswood is the first UK project of its kind and Heidelberg Materials' first full-scale carbon capture facility to reach FID, following its Brevik site in Norway, where 50 per cent of emissions are currently captured.