Installation work on the Cleanker Project pilot system at the Buzzi Unicem in Vernasca has begun, with the goal of demonstrating that the CO2 generated during the cement production cycle can be captured, preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere and ultimately helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. 

The research is being funded as part of the EU’s Horizon 2020, the seven-year Framework Program (2014-2020) aimed at supporting the most promising research, innovation and technology transfer activities in Europe. Involving 12 European and one Chinese partner, the initiative is coordinated by LEAP (Piacenza Environmental Energy Laboratory), a specialized laboratory in the energy and environmental sector and a subsidiary of the Politecnico di Milano (Polytechnic of Milan), by the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Sacred Heart Catholic University) and companies in the energy industry. 

The parties involved are optimistic that this project could have important global repercussions for the cement sector, the reduction of CO2 emissions, and for achieving the ambitious European targets established as a result of the Paris agreement (COP21).

SmartCity was talking about this in the edition on October 7.