Boral To Develop Carbon Capture Plant in Southern Highlands after Receiving $30m from Commonwealth

In partnership with Calix Limited, Boral has announced that it will explore the feasibility of developing a carbon capture plant in the NSW Southern Highlands after being awarded a $30m grant from the Commonwealth to utilize Calix’s innovative carbon technology.

The grant will support Boral and Calix in assessing the viability of a commercial scale plant that captures and compresses up to 100ktpa of unavoidable CO2 emissions resulting from the decomposition of limestone in cement manufacturing.

Boral Chief Operating Officer, Darren Schulz said Boral is committed to investing in projects that create high performing products while reducing our carbon footprint.

“This is game changing technology for our industry and will play a critical role in supporting customers’ sustainability targets. Together, Boral and Calix have access to the required infrastructure, technology and operational expertise required to deliver this project and lead the way in reducing emissions across the industry. By modernizing Australia’s cement industry, we are enabling the growth of lower carbon construction materials, which are essential to jobs and local economies. I want to thank the Government for their support and understanding of the need to transform the management of emissions in cement manufacturing.If successful, we believe this project will enable the national rollout of carbon capture technology to Australia’s cement and lime industry creating smarter and more sustainable solutions for our customers.” 

Mr. Schulz said.

Cement manufacturing is a high-emissions industry, accounting for around seven percent of all global carbon emissions. One of the biggest challenges is reducing the carbon trapped in limestone and subsequently released through the manufacturing process.

Calix’s technology re-engineers the existing process flows of a traditional calciner, indirectly heating the limestone via a special steel vessel. The unique process enables CO2 to be captured as it is released from the limestone.

The project will occur in three phases to minimize investment risk. The first phase of the project is a detailed commercial model and pilot design which will assess the engineering and commercial viability of the project and is expected to be completed in June 2023. If successful, Boral will then consider further investment into the next phase of the project which involves technical and engineering design.

Calix Managing Director and CEO Phil Hodgson said Calix has been working hard to pilot our technology in Europe, but this project represents an acceleration in carbon abatement ambition that has occurred in Australia over a very short timeframe.

“It is great to be working with an Australian company such as Boral, with an Australian, home-grown technology, in a world-leading project.”

Mr. Hodgson said.

Source: Boral