Deployment of carbon capture and storage in the cement industry – Is the European Union up to shape?

Abstract

The implementation of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies in the cement industry is crucial for achieving near-zero emissions. However, CCS remains capital-intensive, with high operational costs, and faces significant market, investment, and infrastructure coordination barriers. Its deployment also depends on national and regional regulatory frameworks, given the need for CO₂ capture, transport, and storage. This study assesses the European Union’s (EU) readiness to implement CCS in the cement sector. Results indicate that the EU-27 cement industry could transition to near-zero emissions within a timeline aligned with EU climate targets, assuming: (i) the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) price rises in line with projections under the Fit for 55 package, and (ii) sufficient CO₂ storage capacity is made available. The findings underscore the need for complementary policy measures and CCS-specific regulatory frameworks to facilitate deployment. Although early and rapid implementation of CCS could deliver substantial climate benefits, it also poses challenges, including shortages of contractors, expertise, and materials. Moreover, historical investment patterns suggest that the required scale and pace of deployment would be unprecedented. While the EU has laid a strong foundation for the cement industry’s transition, CCS deployment potential differs among Member States, depending on the geographic distribution of cement plants and proximity to storage sites. National regulatory variations further complicate deployment. These factors must be addressed to enable a successful shift to near-zero emissions practices in the EU cement industry.