Holcim Romania’s Carbon Hub CPT01 project, aimed at capturing and storing industrial CO₂ emissions, has been selected for funding by the EU Innovation Fund, marking a milestone for Eastern Europe’s decarbonization efforts. The project will capture CO₂ from cement and lime production at Holcim’s Câmpulung plant and store it permanently underground, helping to significantly reduce the construction sector’s carbon footprint.

Developed in partnership with Carmeuse, the initiative becomes the first fully integrated onshore CCS project in the region, capturing emissions from both cement and lime production. This milestone positions Romania at the forefront of industrial climate innovation in Eastern Europe.

“We are honored that the EU Innovation Fund supports our CCS project in Romania — a first for Eastern Europe. Our mission is to decarbonize the construction industry, and this funding makes our carbon capture project more viable and scalable,” said Bogdan Dobre, CEO of Holcim Romania.

The initiative supports Holcim’s NextGen Growth strategy, which includes the EU’s most diversified portfolio of carbon capture projects. Carbon Hub CPT01 was designed as a public–private partnership and aims to begin construction before the end of the decade, with the first CO₂ capture and storage planned for 2032.

Holcim emphasized that further progress depends on the swift adoption of secondary legislation governing CO₂ transport and storage, as well as on efficient permitting procedures.

The project covers the entire carbon capture value chain, from capture and transport to secure geological storage, leveraging proven technologies and Holcim Group’s global expertise.

“CCS projects require strong cross-industry collaboration, and this initiative shows how partnerships can turn decarbonization into reality,” said Ionel Ungureanu, Area Production Manager, Carmeuse Central & Eastern Europe.

With this investment, Holcim brings Romania into the league of European countries developing industrial-scale carbon capture and storage solutions, marking a decisive step toward net-zero cement production by 2032.