Holcim and 44.01 Launch World’s First Cement Carbon Capture and Mineralisation Pilot in Fujairah

Fujairah, United Arab Emirates | 9 December 2025

Holcim, the global leader in sustainable construction solutions, has partnered with climate technology company 44.01 to launch the world’s first pilot project to permanently mineralise carbon dioxide captured directly from a cement plant. Located in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, the initiative represents a landmark advancement in industrial decarbonisation and directly supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy.

The pilot brings together international expertise and strong local collaboration to demonstrate how carbon capture and permanent geological storage can be integrated into one of the most emissions-intensive industrial sectors. Cement production accounts for approximately eight percent of global CO₂ emissions, making the successful decarbonisation of the sector a critical component of global climate action.

A Breakthrough in Cement Decarbonisation

At the core of the Fujairah pilot is a novel approach that combines on-site carbon capture with in-situ mineralisation. The project is designed to initially capture approximately five tonnes of CO₂ per day directly from cement production processes. Instead of storing the captured carbon in tanks or transporting it for long-term storage elsewhere, the CO₂ will be injected into suitable underground rock formations where it will mineralise naturally over time.

This mineralisation process accelerates a natural geological reaction in which carbon dioxide reacts with minerals in the rock to form stable carbonate compounds. Once mineralised, the CO₂ is permanently locked away as solid rock, eliminating the risk of future leakage and providing a safe, durable, and verifiable method of carbon storage.

The Fujairah initiative is the first project globally to combine CO₂ captured from a cement plant with in-situ mineralisation, marking a major technological and operational milestone for the cement industry.

Strong Partnerships Driving Innovation

The project benefits from the support of the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC) and is being implemented in collaboration with NT Energies, a joint venture between Technip Energies and NMDC Energy. Carbon capture is enabled through Shell CANSOLV™ technology, deployed via the strategic alliance between Shell Catalysts & Technologies and Technip Energies.

Environmental oversight and regulatory guidance have been provided by the Fujairah Environment Authority (FEA), ensuring that the project aligns with local environmental requirements and international best practices. This collaboration between government entities, global technology providers, and private industry underscores the importance of cross-sector partnerships in accelerating climate solutions.

Strategic Alignment with Net Zero Goals

For Holcim, the Fujairah pilot strengthens its position as a leading partner for sustainable construction and reflects the company’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. The initiative aligns closely with Holcim Group’s NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, which prioritises the rapid adoption of low-carbon technologies, circular economy solutions, and enhanced resource efficiency across the built environment.

By piloting advanced carbon capture and mineralisation technologies within its cement operations, Holcim is demonstrating how industrial leaders can take practical steps to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors while maintaining operational performance and product quality.

Scaling Carbon Mineralisation Technology

For 44.01, the Fujairah project represents a significant milestone in the commercial scaling of its carbon mineralisation technology. This is the company’s first project with an industrial customer and a European multinational, validating the applicability of its approach within complex, large-scale industrial environments.

44.01’s technology accelerates the natural mineralisation process, enabling captured CO₂ from industrial sources to be permanently removed from the carbon cycle within years rather than centuries. The pilot strengthens the company’s growing customer pipeline and supports its ambition to scale mineralisation into a global gigaton-level carbon removal solution.

Leadership Perspectives

Commenting on the launch, Ali Said, CEO of Holcim in the UAE and Oman, highlighted the role of collaboration in advancing climate action, noting that the project demonstrates how innovation and partnerships can accelerate progress toward net zero. He emphasized that the initiative reflects Holcim’s commitment to building progress for both people and the planet, while also acknowledging the importance of regulatory guidance provided by local authorities.

Talal Hasan, CEO of 44.01, stated that the partnership illustrates how industrial companies can play a leading role in permanent carbon removal. He noted that working with Holcim, FNRC, and NT Energies enables the demonstration of a practical and scalable decarbonisation pathway that can be replicated globally.

Leadership from FNRC and NT Energies also underscored the project’s importance, describing it as a regional first that reinforces Fujairah’s vision to make sustainability a cornerstone of its economic and environmental future.

A Replicable Model for the Global Cement Industry

Beyond its immediate impact, the Fujairah pilot establishes a model that could be replicated across cement plants and other industrial facilities worldwide, particularly in regions with suitable geological conditions. By integrating carbon capture and mineralisation at the source of emissions, the project offers a promising pathway to achieve deep, permanent emissions reductions while supporting sustainable economic development.

As the cement industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonise, initiatives such as this pilot demonstrate that innovative technologies, combined with strong partnerships and regulatory support, can unlock viable solutions for even the most challenging sectors.