December 25, 2024
BY National Cement of California
National Cement announced the execution of a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, for the Lebec Net-Zero Project. The agreement secures funding for the previously announced award from DOE in March 2024.
Once completed, the Lebec Net-Zero Project, led by the National Cement Company of California, will produce carbon-neutral cement at National’s cement plant in Lebec, California. DOE is committing up to $500 million in matching funds for National Cement to develop the project. The project is one of 33 from across 20 states selected for award via DOE’s Industrial Demonstrations Program.
Advertisement
"This is an exciting, first-of-a-kind project in the cement industry. We are making a large investment because we believe in creating a cleaner future. We are thankful for the Department of Energy’s partnership to help accelerate our path to zero carbon,” said Steve Wise, President of National Cement Company of California.
The project will bring significant economic development benefits. It is anticipated to bring hundreds of construction jobs, and at least 20 new jobs dedicated to plant operations. Further, the project aligns with Kern County’s Carbon Management vision for attracting new investment and diversifying the local economy.
Advertisement
The project has received strong support from environmental organizations, who recognize that the cement industry requires multiple levers, including carbon capture, to reach carbon neutrality.
National Cement is partnering with the Kern Community College District and other local organizations to establish a robust community engagement process and develop a community benefits plan, beginning in Phase 1.
Initial activity in Phase I will last through Q1 2026 and include a technology study, a Pre Front End Engineering and Design (Pre-FEED) study, and establishing a Community Advisory Body.
Carbon Clean has announced the successful factory testing of the world’s largest Rotating Packed Bed of this size for carbon capture. This technology uses centrifugal force to enhance CO2 absorption and can capture up to 285 tons of CO2 per day. It has successfully completed an extensive verification program at Thomas Broadbent and Sons and is now ready for commercial deployment at industrial scale.
Eni has signed an agreement to enter into a period of exclusivity with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) aimed at progressing the confirmatory due diligence phase and completing the drafting of the documents related to the sale of a co-control stake of 49.99% in Eni CCUS Holding.
Worley Consulting has been chosen to continue delivering Lender’s Technical Advisor services for the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) and Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power). NEP is the CO2 transportation and storage provider to carbon capture projects across Teesside and the Humber in North-East England, while NZT Power aims to become the world’s first gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage.
BEL Valves launched a new hydrogen and carbon capture department, aimed at positioning us at the forefront of the clean energy sector. The department is headed by Business Development Director, Steve Carty, and will see BEL Valves develop our world leading oil and gas valves to ensure they are suitable for the hydrogen and carbon capture markets.
New York–based fuels company Aircela unveiled the first working machine in the U.S. that produces gasoline directly from air. Compact and modular, the unit combines direct air capture and on-site fuel synthesis into a single deployable machine—roughly the size of a refrigerator.