Worley wins FEED services contract for Heidelberg Materials UK’s carbon capture cement facility

In a significant step towards sustainable construction and carbon reduction in the UK, Worley has announced its collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group to provide Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) services for Heidelberg Materials UK’s pioneering carbon capture cement production facility in Padeswood, North Wales. This collaboration marks a critical milestone in the development of the UK’s first facility of its kind, emphasizing the project’s innovative approach to decarbonizing the cement industry.

The FEED contract is a continuation of Worley and MHI Group’s longstanding partnership, following their successful cooperation on several carbon capture projects, including the pre-FEED for the Padeswood project. This new stage of the project will enable Heidelberg Materials UK to progress towards securing UK government approval, a positive final investment decision, and the commencement of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) stage by the first quarter of 2025.

The expertise of Worley’s teams in London, Manchester, Aberdeen, and Glasgow, supported by a global network of carbon capture specialists, will be instrumental in driving the project forward. The Padeswood carbon capture initiative has been recognized by the UK Government as a Track 1 capture project and plays a significant role within the HyNet industrial cluster, aiming to capture up to 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This ambitious project not only contributes to the UK’s decarbonization goals but also symbolizes a major leap towards net zero emissions in the construction industry by providing sustainable building materials for national projects.

Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s advancement, highlighting its potential to supply net-zero building materials across the country and support the industry’s transition to net zero operations. Marino Barbi, Senior Vice President at Worley, emphasized the project’s significance in the UK’s decarbonization strategy and Worley’s dedication to facilitating sustainable transformation.

As the Padeswood project progresses, it underscores the collaborative efforts of Worley, Heidelberg Materials UK, and MHI Group in leveraging advanced carbon capture technology to mitigate climate change impacts. This groundbreaking project not only sets a precedent for the cement industry but also for other sectors seeking sustainable solutions to achieve net zero emissions.

The Padeswood carbon capture project represents a pivotal development in the UK’s journey towards sustainability and decarbonization. By integrating cutting-edge carbon capture technology into cement production, this initiative offers a scalable model for other industries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. The collaboration between Worley, Heidelberg Materials UK, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries underscores the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing global climate challenges. As this project moves forward, it will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for environmental innovation in the construction sector and beyond.