Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Worley have landed a contract to deliver the world’s full-scale cement carbon capture plant in the UK. The client company, Heidelberg Materials has taken the big step towards the project, which is considered UK’s first full-scale carbon capture plant. Located at its Padeswood cement works, the company has signed an EPCM with Worley and MHI for the project. Furthermore, the contract clears the way for full construction of a facility to strip out around 80,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
It will also produce evoZero, the world’s first carbon-captured near-zero cement at commercial scale. Under the EPCM agreement, Worley will lead delivery of the carbon capture facility. It is also responsible for infrastructure integration and commissioning. Conversely, MHI will provide its advanced KM CDR Process technology. Heidelberg Materials said the project will secure more than 200 existing jobs at the site and support up to 500 construction jobs as work peaks. Earlier in 2024, Mitusubishi Heavy Industries was selected to run a FEED on the project as steps to initiate commencement.
Scope of Implementation on the World’s First Full-Scale Cement Carbon Capture Plant in UK
The scope of implementation on the world’s first full-scale cement carbon capture plant is expected to take shape soon. Construction will move into its next phase before the end of year 2025. Full operation is targeted for 2029. Chief executive Simon Willis noted the Padeswood scheme represents a significant milestone. Furthermore, he noted it facilitates decarbonization in one of the UK’s most challenging industrial sectors. Captured CO₂ will be compressed on site before being piped to secure storage beneath Liverpool Bay as part of the HyNet North West cluster. This aims to create the world’s first low-carbon industrial region through linked hydrogen and CCS networks. Worley boss Chris Ashton said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Heidelberg Materials and MHI to deliver a facility that will help transform cement production and support the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
Project Factsheet
Significance:
- World’s first full-scale carbon capture plant
- UK’s first full-scale cement carbon capture plant.
- Will capture ~80,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Enables production of evoZero, the first commercial near-zero cement.
- Secures 200+ existing jobs and supports up to 500 construction jobs.
Key Partners:
- Heidelberg Materials – project owner.
- Worley – EPCM lead, infrastructure integration, commissioning.
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries – KM CDR Process carbon capture technology.
Project Details:
- Located at Padeswood cement works, UK.
- Full construction cleared to begin under EPCM agreement.
- CO2 will be compressed on-site and piped to secure storage beneath Liverpool Bay via the HyNet North West cluster.
Timeline:
- Next construction phase: before end of 2025.
- Full operation targeted for 2029.
Strategic Impact:
- Major decarbonization milestone for one of the UK’s hardest-to-abate sectors.
- Supports creation of the world’s first low-carbon industrial region through hydrogen + CCS
