Global construction materials giant Holcim and carbon mineralisation specialist 44.01 have launched the world’s first pilot project to permanently store carbon dioxide captured directly from cement production, marking a significant step in the UAE’s industrial decarbonisation journey.

The initiative, located in Fujairah, supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 pathway by developing a permanent carbon storage solution for the hard-to-abate cement sector.

The project initially targets capturing five tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2)  per day directly from the cement manufacturing process. This CO2 will then be permanently stored in underground rock formations, where it will mineralise, offering a natural, safe, and permanent method of geological carbon storage.

According to Holcim, this is the first global initiative to combine CO2 captured from a cement plant with in-situ mineralisation.

44.01 uses innovative technology to accelerate the natural mineralisation process.

The Fujairah pilot unites several global and local entities: It benefits from the support of the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC);  it is being implemented in a collaboration with NT Energies, a joint venture between Technip Energies and NMDC Energy; and NT Energies will deploy Shell CANSOLV carbon capture solutions through the alliance between Shell Catalysts & Technologies and Technip Energies.

Switzerland-headquartered Holcim highlighted the pilot as a major milestone in its journey toward net zero, aligning with its NextGen Growth 2030 strategy to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon and circular technologies.

For 44.01, the pilot represents its first project with an industrial customer and a European multinational. The company aims to scale its award-winning technology into a global, gigaton-scale carbon storage solution by eliminating CO2 and permanently turning it into rock underground in years, rather than millennia.

“This project demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can accelerate progress toward net zero,” says Ali Said, CEO of Holcim in the UAE and Oman. “This pilot to decarbonise our cement plant is another example of how we are building progress for people and the planet. Our partnership with 44.01 reinforces our shared commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions and showcases what is possible when industry leaders work together to drive meaningful, scalable impact. We also value the Fujairah Environment Authority’s (FEA) clear guidance on the environmental requirements, which has supported the advancement of this initiative.”

“This partnership shows that industrial companies can play a leading role in permanent carbon removal,” says Talal Hasan, 44.01 CEO. “Working with Holcim, FNRC and NT Energies, we are demonstrating a practical and scalable path to decarbonisation that can be replicated worldwide.”

“We highly value our partnership with Holcim and 44.01 on the carbon capture and storage project, which reflects the shared commitment of all parties to supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative and adopting innovative solutions that enhance the sustainability of natural resources.” says Eng Ali Qassim, General Director of FNRC. “The corporation reaffirms its dedication to supporting initiatives and projects that contribute to reducing emissions and improving resource efficiency.”

“This is a first of a kind in the Middle East,” adds Benoit Verdier, NT Energies CEO. “We are proud to be collaborating with 44.01 and Holcim to implement a carbon capture pilot for this pioneering decarbonisation project in the hard-to-abate sector.”