Carbon capture technology for cement plants

Several companies provide carbon capture technology that can be retrofitted to existing cement plants. The main options include amine-based post-combustion capture, modular solid-sorbent systems, and oxyfuel or direct-separation technologies. The best supplier depends on the kiln configuration, emissions volume, available heat and electricity, and whether the captured CO₂ will be stored or reused.

Here are the most relevant providers and technology developers, with examples of cement-industry applications.

Key carbon capture technology providers

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1. SLB Capturi

(Commercial-scale cement reference)

Provides amine-based post-combustion capture systems, including its Big Catch modular plant concept. Its installation at Heidelberg Materials’ Brevik cement plant in Norway is designed to capture 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The system was integrated with the operating plant, including heat recovery and CO₂ conditioning.capturi.slb.com+2

Best fit: large cement plants seeking a proven industrial-scale retrofit.

Website

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2. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)

Supplies the KM CDR Process™ and compact CO₂MPACT™ capture systems. MHI installed a pilot system at Heidelberg Materials’ Edmonton cement plant and has worked on engineering for the Padeswood plant in Wales.www.mhi.com+2

Best fit: large plants needing a customized solvent-based capture system, from pilot testing through full-scale engineering.

Website

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3. Carbon Clean

Develops modular solvent-based capture technology, including CycloneCC™, designed to reduce equipment footprint and simplify deployment. The company identifies cement as a target industry and has worked with CEMEX on a small-scale capture demonstration at Victorville, California.www.carbonclean.com+5

Best fit: projects prioritizing modularity, limited installation space, and phased capacity expansion.

Website

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4. Linde Engineering

Provides engineering and process equipment for CO₂ capture, purification and liquefaction. At Heidelberg Materials’ Lengfurt plant in Germany, Linde designed and built an amine-based capture facility intended to recover approximately 70,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year for industrial reuse.www.heidelbergmaterials.com+1

Best fit: integrated capture, purification and CO₂ reuse projects.

Website

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5. Calix — LEILAC technology

Develops direct-separation technology that captures process CO₂ released during limestone calcination. Unlike conventional amine systems, it aims to separate CO₂ during the production process itself. LEILAC has been demonstrated at industrial pilot scale, with further scale-up work involving cement producer Heidelberg Materials.www.heidelbergmaterials.com+1

Best fit: plants considering deeper process redesign rather than simply adding a downstream capture unit.

Website

Which providers have the strongest cement-plant evidence?

The references above are supported by company project disclosures and technical information. A pilot or engineering-design contract is not the same as an operating, full-scale retrofit.capturi.slb.com+4

My recommendation

For a cement operator evaluating a retrofit, I would start with SLB Capturi and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for conventional flue-gas capture, then compare Carbon Clean if modularity and footprint are major constraints. Consider Calix if replacing or modifying kiln-process equipment is an option.

Before requesting quotations, compare:

• Capture rate: tonnes of CO₂ per year and percentage of total plant emissions.
• Energy penalty: steam, electricity and waste-heat requirements.
• Plant integration: whether the system can be installed without prolonged kiln shutdowns.
• Total cost: capture cost per tonne, capital expenditure and operating expenditure.
• CO₂ destination: pipeline transport and geological storage versus local industrial use.

One important point: capturing CO₂ is only one part of the project. Compression, transport and permanent storage can materially affect total cost and feasibility.

To narrow this to the best suppliers for your project: is the cement plant in the US, Europe, or another region, and are you looking to capture under 100,000 tonnes or more than 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually?

Carbon capture solutions for existing cement plants

As of October 2026, cement manufacturers have several carbon capture technologies they can consider installing at existing plants. The key distinction is between solutions that can be added to an operating kiln with relatively limited process changes and solutions that require substantial modifications to the clinker production line.

Post-combustion solvent capture is generally the most retrofit-ready option. Calcium looping, oxy-fuel combustion, and direct separation can offer attractive alternatives, but their suitability depends more heavily on plant configuration, technology maturity, and integration requirements. Cement is particularly challenging to decarbonize because a large share of its CO₂ emissions comes from the chemical decomposition of limestone, not just from burning fuel.www.iea.org+2

1. Available technologies at a glance

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1. Post-combustion solvent capture

(Most retrofit-ready)

Best for: Existing plants seeking to retain their current kiln and production process.

The kiln exhaust passes through gas-cleaning equipment and an absorber containing a chemical solvent, typically an amine. The solvent absorbs CO₂ and is regenerated using heat, producing a concentrated CO₂ stream for compression and transport.

• Retrofit: Usually installed downstream of the existing exhaust-gas treatment system.
• Capture potential: Up to approximately 90–95% under suitable design and operating conditions.
• Main challenges: Steam and electricity demand, solvent degradation, exhaust-gas impurities, cooling requirements, and space for the capture unit.

Maturity: The most established capture route for a conventional cement-plant retrofit.www.iea.org+4

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2. Calcium looping (CaL)

Best for: Plants where capture equipment can be integrated with the existing limestone and clinker process.

Calcium oxide captures CO₂ to form calcium carbonate. A second high-temperature reactor regenerates the sorbent and releases a concentrated CO₂ stream. The calcium-based material may also be integrated into cement raw-material processing.

• Retrofit: Requires additional reactors, solids handling, and integration with the preheater or precalciner.
• Potential advantage: High capture potential and opportunities to use process heat and calcium-bearing materials.
• Main challenges: Capital cost, high-temperature operation, solids circulation, oxygen supply in some designs, and kiln-line modifications.

Maturity: Pilot and pre-commercial development, with specific configurations at different readiness levels.www.iea.org+3

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3. Oxy-fuel combustion

Best for: Plants planning a major kiln upgrade or a coordinated modernization project.

Fuel is burned using oxygen-enriched or nearly pure oxygen rather than ordinary air. This produces an exhaust stream with a much higher CO₂ concentration, making downstream purification easier.

• Retrofit: Partial oxy-fuel modifications may be less extensive than converting the entire kiln line; full conversion requires major changes.
• Potential advantage: Reduced nitrogen dilution and a concentrated CO₂ stream.
• Main challenges: Oxygen-production energy, combustion control, gas recirculation, sealing, and modifications to the kiln and preheater systems.

Maturity: Demonstration and pre-commercial deployment, depending on the configuration.www.iea.org+1

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4. Direct separation of process CO₂

Best for: Plants seeking to capture CO₂ released directly from limestone calcination.

Technologies such as the LEILAC approach use indirect heating in a specially designed calciner to keep the CO₂ released by limestone separate from combustion gases.

• Retrofit: Typically requires a new or modified calciner and changes to material and heat flows.
• Potential advantage: Produces a concentrated process-CO₂ stream without first separating it from the full kiln exhaust.
• Main challenges: Integration with existing equipment, scale-up, and maintaining production performance.

Maturity: Demonstration and scale-up; not a simple add-on to every conventional kiln.www.iea.org+1

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5. Membrane separation

Best for: Plants evaluating modular capture systems or hybrid configurations.

Selective membranes separate CO₂ from other gases. Multiple membrane stages, compression, or integration with other separation processes may be needed to reach the required purity and recovery.

• Retrofit: Potentially modular, but requires careful integration with flue-gas cleaning and pressure requirements.
• Potential advantage: Compact equipment and potentially lower chemical-solvent handling requirements.
• Main challenges: Low CO₂ concentration in kiln exhaust, pressure and energy requirements, membrane durability, and achieving high recovery and purity.

Maturity: Flue-gas membrane capture remains less established for cement than solvent capture.www.iea.org+3

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6. Solid-sorbent adsorption and advanced solvent systems

Best for: Plants interested in emerging capture systems or alternative designs to conventional amines.

Solid materials bind CO₂ and release it during regeneration, often through temperature or pressure changes. Advanced solvents, including chilled-ammonia systems, offer another variation on chemical absorption.

• Retrofit: Potentially end-of-pipe, depending on the system.
• Potential advantage: Opportunities to reduce regeneration energy, solvent-related issues, or equipment footprint.
• Main challenges: Sorbent lifetime, regeneration energy, process integration, and commercial-scale operating evidence.

Maturity: Varies by technology; generally less proven in full-scale cement retrofits than conventional solvent capture.www.iea.org+3

2. Which solutions are most practical to install in an operating plant?

The following is a qualitative comparison for a conventional cement plant with an existing preheater/precalciner kiln. Actual retrofit difficulty varies considerably by site.

These are indicative engineering classifications, not standardized ratings.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2

3. What does an installation actually require?

Regardless of the capture technology, a plant needs to consider the entire CO₂ management chain—not just the capture unit.

Existing cement kiln

Preheater, precalciner and exhaust-gas system

Gas conditioning

Dust removal, cooling and contaminant control as required

CO₂ capture unit

Solvent, calcium looping, oxy-fuel, membrane or another process

CO₂ purification, dehydration and compression

Meet the requirements of the chosen transport or utilization route

Transport

Pipeline, ship or other logistics

Final destination

Geological storage or CO₂ utilization

The most important additional requirements are:

• Energy supply: Capture needs heat and electricity. Waste-heat recovery, steam integration and additional low-carbon power can improve overall performance.
• Space and layout: Capture columns, regeneration equipment, compressors, cooling systems and CO₂ storage tanks can occupy significant space.
• Production continuity: Installation may be coordinated with a scheduled kiln shutdown or major maintenance turnaround.
• CO₂ transport and storage: A viable pipeline, shipping route or other transport arrangement and a suitable permanent storage site may be decisive. Using CO₂ in products is possible, but does not necessarily result in permanent carbon storage.

The International Energy Agency highlights retrofit suitability and access to CO₂ infrastructure as important determinants of industrial carbon-capture deployment.www.iea.org+2

4. What should a cement producer prioritize?

My recommendation is to assess three pathways first:

1. Near-term retrofit: amine-based post-combustion capture. Begin with a feasibility study covering exhaust-gas composition, available steam, electricity, cooling, plot space, capture capacity and CO₂ transport options. This is the strongest starting point for a plant that wants to preserve its existing production line.
2. Integrated retrofit: calcium looping. Evaluate this where the preheater/precalciner layout and heat integration offer a compelling opportunity. It deserves comparison with amines rather than being assumed to be either cheaper or more difficult in every case.
3. Major modernization: oxy-fuel or direct separation. Assess these during kiln replacement, substantial capacity upgrades or other major capital projects, when process modifications can be coordinated with the capture installation.

These priorities reflect relative retrofit suitability, not a universal cost ranking. The US Department of Energy's 2025 cement-sector analysis also identifies amine capture as more mature while noting the potential longer-term benefits of emerging capture methods.www.iea.org+3

One final distinction matters when evaluating vendor proposals: a quoted 90% capture rate does not necessarily mean a 90% reduction in the plant's total emissions. Compare the percentage of CO₂ captured, the percentage of emissions actually avoided after accounting for extra energy, the tonnes captured per year, and the cost per tonne of CO₂ avoided.

5. Useful technical references

• International Energy Agency — CCUS in Clean Energy Transitions: retrofit potential and technology maturity.
• U.S. Department of Energy — Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Cement: deployment considerations, economics and emerging technologies.
• SINTEF — Comparison of Technologies for CO₂ Capture from Cement Production: comparative engineering analysis of amines, oxy-fuel, calcium looping and other options.

To narrow this to actual installable solutions: Are you evaluating a conventional dry-process kiln with a preheater and precalciner, or another kiln configuration? That distinction materially affects which technologies are realistic to retrofit.

Retrofitting existing cement plants with carbon capture is challenging because emissions come from two distinct sources: fuel combustion ($4 0%) and the chemical calcination of limestone (C a C O 3→C a O+C O 2 cap C a cap C cap O sub 3 right arrow cap C a cap O plus cap C cap O sub 2 C a C O 3→C a O+C O 2 , accounting for ~6 0%). Because pre-combustion capture is ineffective for process-related limestone emissions, retrofit solutions focus on post-combustion and specialized process integration.ieaghg.org+1

The primary carbon capture solutions available for installation in current cement plants include:

• Amine-Based Post-Combustion Capture (Chemical Absorption)
  • How it works: Flue gas from the kiln/preheater tower passes through an absorption column where liquid amine solvents (such as Monoethanolamine or specialized proprietary formulations) chemically bind with C O 2 cap C cap O sub 2 C O 2 . The solvent is then heated in a stripper column to release high-purity C O 2 cap C cap O sub 2 C O 2.
  • Retrofit viability: This is the most commercially advanced and mature path for existing footprints. Real-world implementations are underway—such as at the Heidelberg Materials plant in Brevik, Norway, which operationalized large-scale amine scrubbing.
  • Trade-offs: Requires a substantial plot of land next to the plant and significant external thermal energy (steam) to regenerate the solvent, usually necessitating an auxiliary combined heat and power (CHP) plant.ieaghg.org+1
• Calcium Looping (CaL)
  • How it works: Utilizes the reversible reaction between calcium oxide (C a O cap C a cap O C a O ) and C O 2 cap C cap O sub 2 C O 2 to form calcium carbonate (C a C O 3 cap C a cap C cap O sub 3 C a C O 3 ) in a dedicated carbonator. Because cement plants already use limestone/CaO raw materials, spent sorbent from the capture process can often be recycled directly into the cement-making raw material feed, turning a waste product into clinker feedstock.
  • Retrofit viability: Highly synergistic with cement manufacturing chemistry, and pilot/demonstration projects have advanced heavily.
  • Trade-offs: Highly energy-intensive at high temperatures, requiring an integrated oxy-fuel calciner loop to drive the reverse calcination reaction.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1
• Cryogenic C O 2 cap C cap O sub 2 C O 2 Capture / Membrane-Assisted Liquefaction
  • How it works: Uses selective polymer or inorganic membranes to pre-concentrate the C O 2 cap C cap O sub 2 C O 2 from flue gas streams, followed by low-temperature cooling and pressure change to liquefy and separate the C O 2 cap C cap O sub 2 C O 2 without needing hazardous or reactive chemical solvents.
  • Retrofit viability: Attractive for plants with spatial constraints where large chemical absorption towers cannot easily fit.
  • Trade-offs: High electrical power demand for refrigeration and compression, though ongoing membrane material advances continue to improve efficiency.cetjournal.it
• Partial Oxy-Fuel Combustion (Modified Retrofit)
  • How it works: Replaces combustion air in the kiln/precalciner with a mixture of oxygen and recycled C O 2 cap C cap O sub 2 C O 2 , resulting in an exhaust gas stream consisting primarily of water vapor and high-purity C O 2 cap C cap O sub 2 C O 2 that is easily condensed and captured.
  • Retrofit viability: Full oxyfuel is difficult and capital-prohibitive to retrofit into an existing precalciner tower shell without major rebuilding, but partial/modified retrofits are being tested at pilot stages.
  • Trade-offs: Requires an energy-intensive on-site cryogenic oxygen production unit (air separation unit), roughly doubling the plant's electrical load.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1

If you're evaluating a specific project, let me know:

• Is the plant's priority capital cost minimization or maximum C O 2 cap C cap O sub 2 C O 2 capture rate?
• Do you have access to local geological storage/transport or excess industrial heat/steam?

I can help narrow down which technology fits your operational parameters best.