California startup launches innovative cement technology to cut carbon emissions

California startup Fortera has developed a groundbreaking technology that captures and recycles carbon emissions from cement production, launching its first commercial application at a major facility in Redding.

Isabella O'Malley reports for The Associated Press.


In short:

  • Fortera, a California-based startup, has developed a new technology that captures carbon emissions during cement production and reincorporates them into the process, potentially reducing the industry's significant carbon footprint.
  • The technology will be implemented at a CalPortland facility in Redding, California, marking its first large-scale commercial application.
  • Initial production will blend the new low-carbon product with traditional materials, aiming for a 10% carbon reduction, with aspirations to increase this significantly over time.

Key quote:

"Our target is about being a ubiquitous solution that can work really at any plant."

— Ryan Gilliam, CEO of Fortera

Why this matters:

Cement production is a major source of global carbon dioxide emissions, integral to building modern infrastructure but environmentally problematic. Current efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of cement production include improving energy efficiency, using alternative fuels like waste and biomass, and developing innovative materials that can replace traditional cement.

Ramped-up US construction exposes workers to an unregulated toxic.

Crane ship lifting workers in gondola for demolition offshore wind turbine farm
Credit: kruwt/BigStock Photo ID: 455407917

‘I never understood wind’: Midterms spark hope for renewables after Trump’s hostility

Future brightens for US developers in particular after election when voters rejected Trump’s war on clean energy.

3D Illustration depicting Turkey solar and wind energy
Credit: Anton_Medvedev/BigStock Photo ID: 374866861

Turkey highlights its push toward solar power as host of COP31

The country is expanding solar and wind power, but critics point out its continued reliance on coal.

Old cross headstones in an overgrown cemetary

What teeth from a centuries-old cemetery can teach us about climate shocks and disease

Scientists say that climate shocks may have been ‘overlooked’ when researching certain diseases in the Industrial Revolution.
A group of red and blue stickers with "VOTE" and "VOTE TODAY" on them

What experts think the Democratic blue wave will mean for climate action

With a new majority in the House and Senate, here's what climate experts think Democrats will prioritize.
A series of solar panels in a field with mountains in the distance

China is leading the clean energy industry. Will it redraw the lines of global power?

China secured 23 of the world’s 36 major clean industrial projects financed last year, as emerging economies advanced past both Europe and the US.
Seals on the floor of the Texas state capitol building in Austin, Texas
Credit: eblisgalea/BigStock Photo ID: 291256606

Democrats’ victory in Texas raises potential for environmental reform

The blue wave in the heart of the oil and gas industry came, in part, from public outrage over the state’s buildout of data centers.

Two farmers examining their field

To make progress on climate, some farmers won't say 'climate'

Changes to agriculture could help reduce emissions and build resilience on farms, but some advocates say it’s better not to talk about it.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.