thyssenkrupp cooperates with Heidelberg Materials for the GeZero carbon capture project

• thyssenkrupp Polysius has been commissioned with the technical planning of the new furnace line.

• The GeZero project aims to establish a complete CCS value chain for the Geseke site in North Rhine-Westphalia and capture 700,000 tons of CO₂  per year from 2029.

Heidelberg Materials and thyssenkrupp Polysius have signed a front-end engineering design contract for the plant design of the clinker production line of the GeZero CCS project. The GeZero project in Geseke will be one of the first European cement plants capable of producing Net-Zero cement and clinker on a CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) basis. The planning includes a potential capture capacity of around 2,000 tons per day, including the polysius® pure oxyfuel process.

The basic principle of the pure oxyfuel technology developed by thyssenkrupp Polysius is to separate CO₂, which is produced in a kiln system, from the exhaust gases of cement plants and prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. To do this, pure oxygen is used in the combustion process instead of ambient air. In combination with downstream treatment, almost 100 percent of CO₂ emissions from cement clinker production can be captured. The separated process gas is then processed into high-purity CO₂ and can be used as a feedstock in the chemical industry or as a raw material in other industries, or alternatively stored.

"The use of polysius® pure oxyfuel technology offers considerable potential for projects such as GeZero. Taking the project in Geseke as an example, up to 3.5 percent of the German cement industry's emissions could be saved," explains Miguel López, Chief Executive Officer of thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies. "With an annual global cement production of more than four billion tons, we see enormous growth potential for our innovative technology and for Polysius."

Christian Myland, CEO of thyssenkrupp Polysius, adds: "We are proud to be involved in this flagship project for one of the world's leading cement manufacturers. It once again underlines the acceptance of the polysius® pure oxyfuel process developed by us as one of the most promising technologies for CO₂ reduction in the construction industry."

Christian Knell, CEO of Heidelberg Materials Deutschland, emphasizes: "The planning phase is of great importance for our pioneering projects such as GeZero. In this context, choosing the right partners is crucial to the success of the project. A high level of commitment is required from everyone involved in order to keep to the demanding schedule. We very much appreciate having Polysius at our side as a reliable partner in this important phase."

With GeZero, Heidelberg Materials is focusing on CO₂ capture using state-of-the-art oxyfuel technology in combination with a CO₂ purification and liquefaction plant. In order to pave the way for inland CCS plants, a CO₂ transportation solution by rail is part of the planning until the necessary pipeline infrastructure is available. In addition, a local CO₂ storage hub is to be built as an interim storage facility.

GeZero is supported by the EU Innovation Fund. The EU Innovation Fund focuses on flagship projects with European added value that can lead to significant reductions in emissions.

About thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies:

The Decarbon Technologies segment offers innovative cutting-edge technologies for the transformation to a climate-neutral industrial economy. It comprises the thyssenkrupp businesses Rothe Erde, Uhde and Polysius as well as the majority shareholding in thyssenkrupp nucera.

thyssenkrupp rothe erde is one of the leading suppliers of slewing bearings and offers solutions for the wind industry, among others. The company thus makes a significant contribution to the energy transition and decarbonization. thyssenkrupp Uhde is one of the world's leading technology and implementation providers for large-scale chemical plants, with solutions for decarbonization, defossilization and the circular economy. thyssenkrupp Polysius sets standards

in the climate-neutral transformation of the cement and lime industry through innovative solutions. As a leading global supplier of electrolysis technology for the production of clean hydrogen on an industrial scale, thyssenkrupp nucera supports its customers on the path to climate neutrality.

The businesses combine many years of experience, in-depth expertise in international plant engineering, an extensive installed base and close customer relationships. The segment employs around 12,700 people, who generated sales of around EUR 3.8 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year.

About thyssenkrupp Polysius:

thyssenkrupp Polysius is one of the leading providers of technologies and automation solutions for the decarbonization of the cement and lime industries and increasingly for other industries as well. With more than 160 years of experience, we set standards in the development of innovative technologies and services as well as a comprehensive and customized range of services that enable sustainable and economical production. Our services are not only tailored to our own products, but also cover third-party installations.

Thanks to close cooperation with customers and partners, we master the specific challenges of our customers and offer them optimum service. This special commitment, coupled with decades of expertise, makes thyssenkrupp Polysius a reliable partner on the path to a sustainable future.

Further information can be found on the thyssenkrupp Polysius website.