UK Government Approves World’s First Full-Scale Carbon Capture Cement Plant

Padeswood, North Wales – September 26, 2025: Heidelberg Materials and the UK Government have confirmed a final investment decision (FID) to move forward with construction of the world’s first full-scale carbon capture facility for cement production at the company’s Padeswood plant in north Wales.

The groundbreaking project, announced by UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks, is set to begin construction later this year. Once completed, the facility will be capable of capturing approximately 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, which represents 95 percent of the plant’s total emissions. Operations are expected to commence in 2029, with the plant producing evoZero, a fully carbon-captured cement product that will position the UK at the forefront of global industrial decarbonisation.

A World-Leading Cement Facility

When operational, Padeswood will be the first cement works in the world able to produce fully decarbonised cement at scale. This milestone is seen as a major leap forward in the transition to net-zero emissions within one of the most energy-intensive industries.

Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK, highlighted the significance of the development:

“Our new facility at Padeswood will be a world-leader, capturing almost all CO₂ from our existing cement works and allowing us to produce net zero cement. This milestone highlights our commitment to climate action and helps keep the UK construction sector competitive as it works towards its decarbonisation goals.”

Captured emissions will be transported through a new underground pipeline to Liverpool Bay, where they will be stored permanently as part of the HyNet North West project, one of the UK’s flagship industrial decarbonisation programmes.

Importantly, emissions from biomass fuels, such as unrecyclable domestic waste like wood and paper, will also be captured. This breakthrough approach means Padeswood could potentially produce carbon-negative cement, removing more CO₂ from the atmosphere than it emits.

Government Backing and Economic Impact

The UK Government hailed the decision as a historic step in the country’s clean energy transition.

“This trailblazing cement works showcases the north Wales workforce on the global stage, leading the charge in the clean industries of the future,” said Energy Minister Michael Shanks.

The project is expected to safeguard more than 200 existing jobs at the Padeswood facility while creating around 50 new permanent roles once operational. Additionally, it will support up to 500 jobs during the construction phase, providing a significant boost to the local economy and further establishing north Wales as a hub for clean industrial innovation.

Building on Global Leadership

The Padeswood project builds on Heidelberg Materials’ international progress in decarbonising cement production. In June 2025, the company opened its Brevik plant in Norway, which became the first operational cement works in the world to integrate carbon capture, currently capturing around 50 percent of its emissions.

Padeswood, however, will go even further by becoming Heidelberg Materials’ first facility to achieve full-scale capture, setting a new global benchmark for sustainable cement production.

Heidelberg Materials currently employs more than 4,000 people across 300 sites in the UK, underlining the company’s significant role in the nation’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

Industry Response: A Landmark Step Forward

Industry leaders welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a turning point for the UK’s cement industry.

Dr. Diana Casey, Executive Director for Energy and Climate Change, Cement and Lime at the Mineral Products Association, praised the project’s approval:

“The green light for the UK’s first carbon capture-enabled cement plant at Padeswood is a landmark step on the road to decarbonising our domestic cement industry – it will safeguard existing skilled jobs and create new opportunities too. Public investment in this project provides a strong vote of confidence in the technology and recognises the vital role cement plays in supporting economic growth while delivering on the transition to net zero. Decarbonising heavy industry is not only essential for meeting climate goals, but also for securing the future of communities across the country – today’s announcement delivers on both.”

A Major Step Toward Net Zero

The Padeswood project demonstrates how public-private collaboration can drive innovation in heavy industry, one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise.

By combining cutting-edge carbon capture technology with government support and private investment, the facility will not only reduce emissions but also position the UK as a global leader in sustainable industrial practices.

Once operational, Padeswood will play a crucial role in helping the UK meet its climate targets while delivering sustainable economic growth and supporting the country’s clean energy transition.