Prime Highlights
- Holcim and 44.01 launched a first-of-its-kind carbon mineralisation pilot at Fujairah.
- Ali Said called it proof that industrial decarbonisation is an immediate reality.
Key Facts
- Holcim is a Switzerland-based sustainable construction leader operating in 45 markets.
- The Fujairah plant captures 4-4.5 tonnes of CO₂ daily for permanent storage.
Background
Holcim, in partnership with carbon storage company 44.01, has begun operating a continuous carbon capture and underground mineralisation pilot at its cement facility in Fujairah, marking a first for the UAE’s cement industry. The milestone builds on a strategic partnership announced last year.
Following its official Commissioning Day, the plant has been fully functioning since the second week of July, according to Holcim, a leader in sustainable building with activities in 45 markets and headquarters in Switzerland. The system captures CO₂ directly from flue gas at Holcim’s Fujairah Cement Plant, with capacity to capture 4 to 4.5 tonnes of CO₂ daily. The captured CO₂ is transported to 44.01’s mineralisation site and injected deep underground into Fujairah’s naturally occurring ultramafic rock formations, where it converts into solid carbonate rock through an accelerated natural process, offering permanent local carbon storage.
Holcim said the pilot’s success stemmed from strong public-private collaboration, with support from Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation, Fujairah Environment Authority, NT Energies and Gulf Cryo.
The partnership’s purpose, according to Ali Said, CEO of Holcim UAE & Oman, is to demonstrate that industrial decarbonization is an immediate reality rather than a far-off objective. He considered the accomplishment of full-time capture and mineralization a significant advancement. He added that the project supports Holcim’s NextGen Growth strategy and contributes to the UAE’s 2050 Net Zero target through deep cross-industry collaboration.
The pilot will continue generating operational data over the next six months to assess the scalability and commercial potential of permanent carbon storage. Holcim said the project also sets a global benchmark for the cement industry.
Talal Hasan, Founder and CEO of 44.01, said the Fujairah project shows that permanent CO₂ storage can be deployed today at an active industrial site, supporting the UAE’s Net Zero goals while offering a replicable model for other industries worldwide.
