- Holcim and 44.01 launch the worldโs first pilot project to mineralise the COโ captured at a cement plant, supporting the UAEโs Net Zero 2050 initiative.
- The Fujairah pilot unites global and local partners to demonstrate sustainably produced cement and scale up 44.01โs carbon mineralisation technology.
UAE, 9 December 2025 โ Holcim and 44.01 have announced the launch of the first pilot project to mineralise COโ captured from the cement industry. The initiative supports the UAEโs Net Zero 2050 pathway by advancing permanent carbon storage solutions for the cement sector and marks a major milestone in the regionโs industrial decarbonisation journey.
The pilot project initially aims to capture 5 tonnes of COโ per day directly from cement production and permanently store it in the underground rock formation where it will mineralise, thereby providing a natural, safe and permanent method of geological carbon storage. It will be the first initiative globally to combine COโ captured from a cement plant with in-situ mineralisation.
Located in Fujairah, the project benefits from the support of Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC) and will be implemented in collaboration with NT Energies, a joint venture between Technip Energies and NMDC Energy, deploying Shell CANSOLVโข carbon capture solutionsthrough the alliance between Shell Catalysts & Technologies and Technip Energies.
The carbon capture and mineralisation pilot further strengthens Holcimโs position as the leading partner for sustainable construction and marks a milestone in its journey towards net zero. In line with Holcim Groupโs NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, the company is accelerating the adoption of low-carbon and circular technologies, advancing decarbonisation and resource efficiency across the construction sector.
The pilot is 44.01โs first project with an industrial customer and a European multinational; another important milestone in scaling up its award-winning carbon mineralisation technology into a global, gigaton carbon storage solution. The pilot strengthens 44.01โs expanding customer pipeline and its strategy to establish and scale mineralisation projects in key markets.
โThis project demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can accelerate progress toward net zero,โ said Ali Said, CEO of Holcim in the UAE and Oman. โThis 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 Authorityโs (FEA) clear guidance on the environmental requirements, which has supported the advancement of this initiative.โ
โThis partnership shows that industrial companies can play a leading role in permanent carbon removal,โ said Talal Hasan, 44.01 CEO. โWorking with Holcim, FNRC and NT Energies, we are demonstrating a practical and scalable path to decarbonisation that can be replicated worldwide.โ
โWe 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 UAEโs Net Zero 2050 initiative and adopting innovative solutions that enhance the sustainability of natural resources.โsaid H.E. Eng. Ali Qassim, General Director of FNRC. โThe Corporation reaffirms its dedication to supporting initiatives and projects that contribute to reducing emissions and improving resource efficiency, in line with Fujairahโs vision to make sustainable development a cornerstone of its economic and environmental future.โ
โThis is a first of a kind in the Middle Eastโ added Benoit Verdier, NT Energies CEO. โWe 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.โ
This pilot marks a major milestone for the region and the world โ proving that collaboration between global innovators, local authorities and private industry can unlock new, permanent pathways to carbon reduction while fostering sustainable economic development.
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About Holcim
Holcim (SIX: HOLN) is the leading partner for sustainable construction with net sales of CHF 16.2 billion in 2024[1], creating value across the built environment from infrastructure and industry to buildings. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Holcim has more than 45,000 employees in 44 attractive markets โ across Europe, Latin America and Asia, Middle East & Africa. Holcim offers high-value end-to-end Building Materials and Building Solutions, from foundations and flooring to roofing and walling โ powered by premium brands including ECOPlanet, ECOPact, and ECOCycleยฎ.
For more information, visit: https://www.holcim.com/
About 44.01
44.01 eliminates COโ by turning it into rock underground. The companyโs award-winning technology accelerates the natural process of COโ mineralisation to remove COโ permanently in years. 44.01 takes COโ captured from the atmosphere or hard-to-abate industrial processes, helping decarbonise vital industries and ultimately return the atmosphere to sustainable levels of COโ. The process is safe, scalable and lasts forever. For more information, visit: https://4401.earth
[1] Net sales 2024 restated following spin-off; excludes net sales to Amrize.