KOdeCO net zero

Introduction

The KOdeCO net zero project aims to achieve the first net zero cement plant in Croatia and in the Mediterranean. It will create a first-of-its-kind end-to-end carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain from the Holcim cement plant in Koromačno to the first permanent storage site in the Mediterranean Sea. The project will result in a relative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions avoidance of 107% compared to the reference scenario.

Technology and Innovation

Holcim’s KOdeCO net zero innovation builds on the 2nd generation disruptive integration of the CryocapTM FG non-intrusive carbon capture and liquefaction technology, in an upgraded century-old cement facility.

The already disruptive solution, developed by Air Liquide, will be pushed further to:

• Significantly lower energy consumption
• Reduce water consumption
• Lower emissions of harmful products
• Increase circularity
• Limit risks on the brownfield cement plant’s production reliability

In addition, the KOdeCO net zero project will integrate first-of-its-kind water treatment and desalination plants. This will further decrease the plant’s environmental footprint, aiming to become a zero freshwater production site. The KOdeCO net zero CCS chain will allow for the avoidance of 3.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) over the first ten years of operation.

Strategic Importance

KOdeCO net zero is highly strategic for the Croatian and European cement and construction industries as it will provide net zero cement for the first time in the region. This will contribute directly to:

1. The decarbonisation of the Croatian industry
2. The achievement of the European Green Deal and New European Bauhaus goals
3. The Low-Carbon Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia

Located in Istra County, it will also contribute to the goals set within the Just Transition Mechanism.

Stakeholder Engagement and Economic Impact

Through extensive stakeholder engagement activities, the project will advance knowledge and experience in CCS in the region, as well as create opportunities and programs for upskilling and reskilling the workforce towards a successful transition to a sustainable competitive economy.

The project will have a strong impact on job creation in the region, with:

• Up to 90 new direct jobs
• 200 indirect jobs within different sectors

Also, by showcasing the highly scalable low-risk solution, the KOdeCO net zero project will support deployment and replicability across the cement industry and other industrial sectors on a European and national scale.

Regional Significance

The project has the potential to become a key reference in the decarbonisation of the Mediterranean countries, as it will support the development of regional CO2 storage solutions for hard-to-abate industries across the south of Europe.