Heidelberg Materials has reached a final investment decision (FID) with the UK Government to build the world’s first carbon capture facility enabling fully-decarbonised cement production at its Padeswood plant in North Wales.
The project, which enters the execution phase this year, will capture nearly 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, effectively eliminating almost all emissions from the site. Once complete, Padeswood will become the second industrial-scale CCS cement project globally, following the company’s Brevik CCS facility in Norway, which opened in June 2025.
A Global First in Net-Zero Cement
Padeswood will deliver evoZero®, the world’s first carbon captured net-zero cement, at scale across Europe. The facility is designed to integrate learnings from Brevik, ensuring faster deployment and lower risk.
Dr. Dominik von Achten, Chairman of the Managing Board of Heidelberg Materials, said:
“This milestone demonstrates the momentum behind our Net Zero agenda. At Padeswood, we are building on the knowledge and expertise developed at Brevik, sharing best practices to deliver another world-leading CCS project.”
UK Government Support
The UK Government, through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has committed funding to the project as part of its industrial decarbonisation strategy.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks commented:
“This trailblazing project showcases North Wales on the global stage – leading the charge in clean industries and powering Britain’s reindustrialisation.”
Economic and Environmental Impact
- Commissioning Date: 2029
- Jobs Secured: 200 existing jobs safeguarded, 50 new permanent jobs created, and up to 500 roles during construction
- Carbon Storage: Captured CO₂ will be transported via underground pipeline to Liverpool Bay for secure seabed storage as part of the HyNet North West project.
- Carbon Sink Potential: Thanks to the use of biogenic fuels (from food, wood, and paper waste), Padeswood CCS could even become a net carbon sink.
Jon Morrish, Member of the Managing Board responsible for Europe, added:
“The UK Government has created a strong and supportive framework for industrial decarbonisation, which should serve as a blueprint for other countries in Europe.”
With Padeswood CCS, Heidelberg Materials reinforces its leadership in hard-to-abate sector decarbonisation, setting a global benchmark for sustainable construction.
