The CCS Project That Passed Every Test Except the Investment Test

Heidelberg Materials' proposed carbon capture project in Edmonton appeared to contain almost every ingredient policymakers say a successful CCS development needs. It targeted cement, a hard-to-abate industry where most emissions come from the chemistry of producing clinker rather than simply burning fuel. A pilot confirmed that capture was technically feasible. The Canadian government offered substantial support.

A pipeline and geological storage route had been identified. Alberta already operated an industrial carbon-pricing system. The project was supposed to capture around one million tonnes of CO annually and become North America's first full-scale carbon capture installation at a cement plant. It is now on hold. That does not prove carbon capture has failed.