Holcim US, Ohio State, GTI Energy Partner to Develop Carbon-Capture Technology

GTI Energy, Ohio State University, and Holcim US have formed a joint initiative to design, build, and test a cost-effective membrane carbon-capture technology. The project is partially funded by United States’ Department of Energy (DOE) with cost share contributions from Holcim. Membrane technology from Ohio State will be deployed for the project, aiming to capture 95-99% of CO₂ from cement kiln gas with a purity exceeding 95% and lower energy demand.

The DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) announced the selection of the project to receive up to $7 million in federal funding for the design and testing of a carbon-capture system at the Holcim cement plant in Holly Hill, SC.

“We are excited to demonstrate Ohio State’s highly selective membrane technology for CO₂ capture from a cement plant,” said Yang Han, Ohio State College of Engineering research scientist. “Our membrane technology makes it possible to capture up to 99% of the carbon emissions from cement manufacturing, which can be stored underground, used to strengthen concrete, or transformed into valuable products. This technology, with its simple operation and minimal utility needs, provides an easy retrofit for cement plants, bringing sustainable building solutions one step closer to reality.”

The facilitated transport membrane technology from Ohio State has undergone system-level, proof-of-concept, and performance validation testing at the National Carbon Capture Center. Industrial environment testing will advance the product for commercial deployment and validate the benefits of its application to the cement industry. GTI Energy will support the development of the pilot skid for site deployment.

“GTI Energy is not merely testing innovative carbon management solutions, we are demonstrating their real-world viability and economic potential,” said Don Stevenson, GTI Energy’s vice president of carbon management & conversion. “This project will showcase the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling the complex challenge of transitioning to cleaner energy systems.”

Holcim’s decarbonization strategy is primarily focused on carbon-capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and Ohio State’s membrane technology may provide a solution to reduce energy consumption and costs in the carbon-capture process.

“Across Holcim, we are investigating all avenues to reduce carbon emissions in our operations, utilizing cutting edge technology and forming strategic partnerships as integral components of our path towards achieving net zero by 2050,” said Derick Dreyer, head of Industrial Development and Decarbonization for Holcim North America. “The development and implementation of cost-effective carbon capture technologies is key to meeting our decarbonization goals.”