Continental Cement signs hydrogen MoU

Summit Materials, in partnership with its subsidiary Continental Cement Co, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PCC Hydrogen Inc (PCCH2), a producer of negative carbon intensity hydrogen, to develop a fuel replacement strategy to lower carbon emissions from Continental's cement manufacturing process.

The project aims to deploy negative carbon intensity hydrogen derived from ethanol as a replacement fuel for the existing hydrocarbon fuels used as a source of heat in the cement manufacturing process. Continental Cement will provide its expertise related to the use of alternative fuels in the cement production process, while PCCH2 will develop a plan for the construction of one of its hydrogen production facilities to support the hydrogen needs resulting from the collaboration.

It is the first MoU of its kind signed by Continental Cement and represents another positive step toward its efforts related to decarbonising cement production. “Continental Cement has a longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, seeking out opportunities to develop innovative practices and differentiated solutions to build a better tomorrow,” said David Loomes, president, Continental Cement.

“Our company has signed on to the Portland Cement Association's (PCA) Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality, a goal of achieving carbon neutrality across the value chain by 2050. By coupling PCCH2’s hydrogen production process with our cement manufacturing know-how, we are taking a bold stride towards achieving that goal while continuing the push to cost-effective decarbonisation of cement manufacturing.”

Using ethanol as a feed source and by capturing the pure CO₂ byproduct of the hydrogen manufacturing process, PCCH2 can deliver high purity, negative carbon green hydrogen to fuel Continental Cement's manufacturing process resulting in optimal efficiency and thermal stability. Green hydrogen is one of the most attractive means to mitigate CO₂ in industrial applications and ultimately to get closer to net zero CO2 emissions.

“We couldn't have found a better partner to explore innovative ways to decarbonise cement manufacturing, the backbone of our economy,” said Timothy Fogarty, CEO, PCCH2. “Continental Cement is an industry leader with over a century of operational history and is already evidencing its commitment to the environment through its subsidiary Green America Recycling, LLC. We are excited to help fulfil that commitment with our negative carbon intensity hydrogen providing a new avenue to decarbonisation.”

Working closely with Green America Recycling, Continental Cement is championing several sustainability initiatives, adopting new technologies and cutting-edge approaches to address climate change, while delivering social, environmental and economic benefits.