Concrete

Carbon Capture: A Reality Check

Published

3 years ago

April 10, 2023

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What are the recent developments in carbon capture technology, and the challenges faced in making it more accessible to cement companies, discusses Dr Jose Casaban, Co-CEO, MOF Technologies.

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of engineerable, super porous, sponge like solid materials that enable more efficient gas separation, gas storage and delivery solutions. MOFs are made up of two components: metal ions and organic ligands (also known as ‘linkers’) that are interconnected, creating repeatable porous networks that allow entrapment of specific gas molecules through physical adsorption. The choice of metal and linker allows us to engineer porous structures with unprecedented capacity and selectivity for a targeted gas molecule like CO2.
MOF Technologies has harnessed the unique properties of MOFs such as high CO2 capacity, selectivity and heatless regeneration and has engineered an ultra-energy efficient carbon capture system that uses pressure instead of heat to release the captured CO2 from the MOF filter. In principle, the carbon capture system combines mature vacuum swing adsorption technology with the novel highly performing MOF adsorbent material. By this way, CO2 can be separated from flue gas streams with an energy input of less than 1 GJ per tonne of CO2, cutting the energy requirements for carbon capture by up to 80 per cent versus the state-of-the-art amine scrubbing solutions. This represents a step change in carbon capture innovation that will bring down the costs for carbon removal and enable the mass adoption of CCS in hard-to-abate industries like cement.

Trial by Fuel
This year, the Nuada Carbon Capture technology was shortlisted by the Global Cement and Concrete Association’s (GCCA) Innovandi Open Challenge as one of the most promising technologies to decarbonise this hard-to-abate sector. This global programme aimed at fostering innovation within the cement industry by partnering GCCA member companies with innovative start-ups from around the world to ‘accelerate and commercialise the development of promising decarbonisation technologies.’
MOF Technologies was chosen as one of six start-ups, from more than 100 global entrants to the Open Challenge, to form formal consortiums with cement industry leaders for piloting innovative decarbonisation technologies. The company is now partnered
with Buzzi Unicem, Cementir Holdings and HeidelbergCement who will have the opportunity
to have a first glance of the innovative carbon capture technology and test the pilot plant for their flue gas. Their pilot plant is currently under construction, expected to be in operation during summer of 2023 to showcase the in-field performance of the Nuada Carbon Capture technology. This is an opportunity to prove the performance of this technology in its scaled-up form at the production sites of these three key GCCA members and enhance the confidence of the sector that Nuada will play a pivotal role for cement decarbonisation.

Technology and Productivity
Nuada Carbon Capture is an End-of-Pipe (EoP) solution that provides the opportunity to treat emissions directly from the stack without any modifications to the existing cement manufacturing processes.
This technology uses modular units that are prefabricated and containerised, so they can be easily installed on site with minimum disruption to the manufacturing operations. The modular nature of the technology provides flexibility for its end users to treat different scales of emissions and gradually add to the carbon capture capacity on their sites, in alignment with the evolution of carbon emission allowance schemes. Exploiting the high-capacity of MOF materials, Nuada carbon capture systems are designed to be very compact, occupying a minimum footprint to provide the comfort of retrofitting these systems, especially in cement production sites with minimum free space.
This is beneficial since most existing cement manufacturing sites were not built with a provision for adding a carbon capture process. Another advantage of this technology is the requirement of electricity as the only energy source to operate these carbon capture plants. Competitive technologies like amine-based solutions require copious amounts of steam, which is not always available on site and their integration in a cement plant is far more challenging. Overall, Nuada is a plug-and-play, easy to install and flexible carbon capture solution that can be easily retrofitted on existing cement plants. While these features will facilitate the adoption of this technology within the cement industry, the core advantage of this carbon capture system is its ultra-high energy efficiency, which slashes the cost associated with carbon capture and enables cement manufacturers to reduce their emissions, with the lowest possible impact on the cost of cement production.

Challenges Ahead
The development of this groundbreaking technology did not happen overnight. Instead, MOF Technologies have spent the last decade on developing knowhow around the development, production, shaping, optimisation, and testing of MOF materials combined with continuously increasing engineering capabilities for the design and prototyping of MOF-based systems. The company has gained a global reputation as the MOF material experts by collaborating with several blue-chip companies for the co-development of MOF-based solutions.
These collaborations have enriched the engineering knowhow for developing MOF-based adsorption systems whilst being part of EU-funded carbon capture projects with better insights about the carbon capture technology requirements. It was the inherited knowledge from the challenges and the lessons learnt across their R&D pedigree that has enriched their large IP portfolio, enabled technology breakthroughs, and now minimises the obstacles of commercial deployment for the innovative carbon capture technology. MOF Technologies is using the industrially scaled and proven Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA) technology, so there are existing supply chains that can be immediately utilised to construct larger scale carbon capture systems. In addition, the company has already scaled up the production of the MOF filter and is now producing enough MOF material in-house to support commercial scales of carbon capture systems. While the road to commercial deployment of the Nuada carbon capture technology is relatively open, the real challenge ahead is to gain operating hours. By demonstrating the high in-field performance of Nuada and growing the industry’s confidence, they can move towards larger scale systems.

Curbing Emissions
The company sees cleantech as a necessity for curbing future emissions. Among the options to tackle emissions from heavy polluting industries, carbon capture is widely regarded as a key lever for achieving net zero targets. For example, carbon capture is accounting for a total of 36 per cent emissions reductions by 2050 in the cement industry according to the GCCA’s net zero roadmap. However, the IPCC is quoted as saying, “Currently, global rates of carbon capture and storage deployment are far below those in modelled pathways limiting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C.” This is because the technology’s rollout has been hindered by cost, energy-efficiency and other challenges. This generates extra pressure for innovation, cross-collaboration between technology developers and emitters, and investment in carbon capture projects. Innovative climate technologies like the Nuada carbon capture system, which addresses the main caveats for the mass adoption of CCUS, will prove transformational, not only in achieving Net Zero targets but in improving the quality of life for the people of the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr Jose Casaban is a globally recognised CCUS expert with rich experience in sorbent materials and gas separation processes. He is leading the rapid expansion of MOF Technologies that will accelerate the decarbonisation of the cement industry.

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Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

1 week ago

June 5, 2026

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World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

1 week ago

June 4, 2026

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Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

Published

2 weeks ago

June 1, 2026

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The meeting reviewed progress in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its commercial adoption in India’s cement sector, focusing on low-carbon alternatives to conventional binders. JK Lakshmi Cement noted that limestone calcined clay cement can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional cement and said this reduction supports industry decarbonisation. The company highlighted that it was among the first two cement manufacturers in India to move LC3 into commercial production after the Bureau of Indian Standards approved the technology as a cement standard.

Vinita Singhania said the transition of LC3 from research to commercial production reflected collaboration between industry, academia and international institutions. Maya Tissafi acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cement’s role in advancing LC3 adoption in India and its contribution in taking the technology from laboratory trials to commercial implementation. Both representatives underlined the growing relevance of sustainable construction materials as India expands infrastructure and urban development.

The meeting explored continued collaboration with Swiss research institutions such as EPFL, EMPA and ETH Zurich alongside Indian academic partners and development organisations. JK Lakshmi Cement has been associated with the LC3 initiative since 2014 and worked with EPFL, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Development Alternatives and Technology and Action for Rural Advancement. The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and recently announced commercial production of Green Pro LC3 cement from its Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the world’s second-largest cement producer and expansion of infrastructure, urbanisation and housing demand continue to support long-term sector growth, increasing interest in low-carbon technologies. The company reported an annual turnover of more than Rupees (Rs) 60 bn and current cement capacity of about 18 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum, with a target of reaching 30 million (mn) tonnes (t) by 2030. Apart from grey cement, the company also makes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primers, adhesives and fly ash blocks, and both sides concluded on the need for continued collaboration to develop sustainable construction solutions.