UAE's First Carbon Capture Pilot Turns Cement Plant CO₂ into Stone

What if cement plants could lock away their CO₂ forever? A UAE trial is testing a radical solution—turning pollution into stone. The results could reshape heavy industry.

, and Administrator

2026 March 26 . 7:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a large cement building sitting on the side of a road, surrounded by plants, a... — The image shows a large cement building sitting on the side of a road, surrounded by plants, a fence, poles, lights, and other objects. In the background, there are trees and a clear blue sky.

UAE's First Carbon Capture Pilot Turns Cement Plant CO₂ into Stone

A new pilot project in Fujairah, UAE, aims to cut carbon emissions from cement production by capturing and storing CO₂ underground. Holcim, a global building materials company, has teamed up with carbon storage specialist 44.01 to launch the initiative. The scheme marks the first time 44.01 has worked with a multinational partner on an industrial scale. The project will capture up to five tons of CO₂ daily from a local cement plant. Cement production accounts for around 8% of the world's CO₂ emissions, making it a key target for reduction efforts. The captured carbon will then be converted into stable rock formations deep underground, permanently locking it away.

NT Energies is providing the CO₂ capture technology, using Shell's CANSOLV system. Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation is overseeing the project's development, ensuring compliance and support. Ali Said, CEO of Holcim in the UAE and Oman, has publicly backed the partnership, calling it a significant step in tackling industrial emissions. This initiative represents a new method for carbon reduction in the Middle East. By turning CO₂ into rock, the project offers a permanent solution rather than temporary storage. The approach could serve as a model for other high-emission industries in the region.

The Fujairah pilot will test the feasibility of large-scale CO₂ mineralisation in cement production. If successful, the method could be expanded to other plants, helping lower the industry's environmental impact. The project's outcomes will be closely watched by both regional and global stakeholders.