Cemex Knoxville Cement Plant Selected for Innovative Carbon Capture Project with DOE

Cemex Knoxville Cement Plant Selected for Carbon Capture Initiative



A significant move towards sustainability has been made as Cemex announced that its cement plant located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is slated to become the site for a pioneering carbon capture, removal, and conversion test center. This project is backed by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM). The goal of this initiative is to accelerate decarbonization within the cement industry, which faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.

As part of a select group of five projects, the Knoxville test center will share in a total funding pool of $101 million aimed at developing innovative carbon capture technologies. Collaborating closely with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and a coalition of U.S. cement manufacturers, Cemex will work to develop the conceptual and operational frameworks necessary for the facility. This marks the initial phase of a project that intends to set a standard for carbon management technology in the cement sector.

The first phase includes critical planning and design work for the test center, with plans for a competitive selection process for the second phase, which will entail the actual construction and operation of the facility. Once operational, the center will become a vital platform for research and evaluation into advanced decarbonization systems tailored specifically for cement plants. The research conducted at this center will support sustainable and cost-effective methods for managing carbon emissions, a pressing issue in manufacturing today.

Jaime Muguiro, the President of Cemex US, expressed his enthusiasm about the Knoxville plant's selection. He stated, "While we are making steady progress, the cement industry has the opportunity to accelerate even more the pace of our decarbonization. Through collaboration and continuous innovation with the University of Illinois and industry peers, Cemex is committed to advancing decarbonization solutions."

Kevin C O'Brien, Director of UIUC's Net-Zero Center of Excellence, noted the importance of combining expertise from both institutions to further the goals of net-zero emissions. "We are thrilled to combine our expertise in capturing emissions from cement plants with Cemex's leadership in the net-zero space. This partnership aligns perfectly with the goals of our Net-Zero Center of Excellence and Cemex's net-zero objectives."

Central to this initiative is the application of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. These technologies are deemed crucial for achieving Net Zero CO2 emissions in cement production, along with other strategies to lower the industry's carbon output.

Cemex's commitment to a sustainable future is underscored by its broader portfolio of CCUS solutions. This initiative not only aims for the storage or utilization of CO2 from various sources but also significantly contributes to Cemex's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The CCUS project aligns seamlessly with Cemex's ongoing sustainability and decarbonization program, known as Future in Action, which has documented substantial progress since its establishment in 2020.

Cemex operates with an extensive network of facilities across the U.S., comprising eight cement plants, nearly fifty cement terminals, and over 280 ready-mix concrete plants. This robust infrastructure positions Cemex to make tangible strides in sustainability, having been consistently recognized for its energy management and sustainability efforts, including accolades from the U.S. EPA as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2019.

In summary, the establishment of a carbon capture test center at the Cemex Knoxville plant represents a substantial investment in the future of environmentally responsible manufacturing. This project exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to tackle climate issues within the cement industry and serves as a model for future innovations in carbon management.

About Cemex U.S.


Cemex is a leading global building materials company dedicated to improving the well-being of its clients and surrounding communities through innovative and sustainable building solutions. With a history spanning over a century, Cemex is committed to operating efficiently while prioritizing sustainability in all of its endeavors.

About the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign


UIUC is a premier public research university in Illinois dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and community service. Its commitment to public health and economic development is reflected in its comprehensive outreach programs across the state.

About the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)


NETL is a national laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy focused on advancing clean energy technologies, particularly in carbon management and sustainability. This project at the Cemex Knoxville plant exemplifies NETL's mission to foster innovation for a sustainable energy future.

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