Norway’s Zero-Carbon Cement Sparks Demand

Heidelberg’s Brevik plant sells out 2025 net-zero cement, proving carbon capture can clean up even the dirtiest industries.

26 Jun 2025

Heidelberg Materials has sold out all 2025 production from its Brevik plant in Norway, marking a significant milestone for carbon capture and storage (CCS) in one of the world’s most emissions-intensive industries.

The plant, located on Norway’s southeast coast, is the first in the world to offer commercial volumes of cement produced with captured CO₂. Its evoZero product uses CCS to trap around half of emissions during production, which are then liquefied and transported to the Northern Lights terminal for permanent storage under the North Sea.

“Heavy industry must transform, and this shows it's possible,” said Dominik von Achten, chief executive of Heidelberg. “We are sold out for 2025 and we continue to fill the order book.”

The early uptake reflects mounting pressure on the construction sector to reduce emissions. European builders are facing stricter environmental standards and increasing demand for transparent carbon reporting. Each shipment of evoZero includes a digital certificate that verifies the volume of CO₂ permanently stored, offering traceability to buyers.

The Brevik project relies on infrastructure developed by Northern Lights, a joint CCS initiative from Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies. By enabling third-party access to transport and storage, the network reduces upfront costs for industrial producers and lowers the entry barrier for decarbonisation.

Despite the success, cost remains a challenge. CCS installations are capital-intensive, and it is uncertain whether smaller producers can adopt similar technologies without additional support. The expansion rate of shared infrastructure and regulatory frameworks will be critical to wider adoption.

Nevertheless, Brevik’s rollout is seen as a test case for scaling CCS in heavy industry. Policymakers across Europe are monitoring progress, and Heidelberg’s early results could encourage further investment in low-carbon building materials.

If proven commercially viable, the model could offer a path to decarbonising cement, which accounts for roughly 7 per cent of global emissions.