Canada’s CURA secures $10M to build decarbonized cement pilot plant

Alberta-based CURA Climate Inc. has raised $10 million in financing to support its decarbonized cement pilot plant and path to commercialization, the company said Sept. 17.

CURA uses electrochemical technology rather than high-temperature combustion for calcination, the most carbon-intensive step in cement production. The company claims its method can reduce cement emissions by up to 85%. The new funding will enable it to build out a 100-metric-ton/year decarbonized cement pilot plant and support the development of a commercial demonstration plant.

"We've made significant progress proving and scaling CURA's electrochemical technology, and this financing allows us to move into the next phase," Co founder and CEO of CURA, Erin Bobicki, said. "Our focus now is on demonstrating that electrifying the core chemical step in cement production can deliver the performance, scale, and economics the industry needs."

Proceeds from the financing will enable the construction and commissioning of a pilot plant in Taber, Alberta.

CURA said the funds will also support the design of a commercial demonstration facility with a capacity of 30,000 mt/year.

In addition to using an electrochemical process, CURA said its method is designed to "work with a wide range of calcium rich feedstocks, including lower purity limestone and industrial waste streams."