Clean hydrogen production startup HiiROC has received investment from CEMEX and CEMEX Ventures.
Biomethane, flare gas, or natural gas can be converted into hydrogen using HiiROC’s thermal plasma electrolysis technology at a lower cost than the competition and with no impact on climate change. CEMEX is working with HiiROC to increase its hydrogen injection capacity across its cement operations while reducing fossil fuel consumption.
Founded in 2019, HiiROC has developed a novel process that produces high-purity hydrogen and clean carbon black at significantly higher temperatures and pressures. Cement kiln hydrogen injection capacity will be increased by CEMEX and HiiROC through this investment, enabling a higher alternative fuel substitution rate for fossil fuels. The goal of COP26 in Glasgow was to reduce methane emissions and other greenhouse gases further down the line.
In the cement industry, CEMEX has been a pioneer in the use of hydrogen. With hydrogen as an alternative fuel, the company’s cement plants have seen increased use and improved thermal efficiency. One of the company’s most important commitment approaches, this investment will allow the company to continue scaling its hydrogen injection strategy while increasing the rate of fossil fuel substitution in production kilns.”
“HiiROC’s solution is sustainable, scalable, cost-effective, and has strong growth potential inside the hydrogen ecosystem. This investment is yet another important step in our transition from fossil to alternative fuels and towards achieving our Net Zero goal for 2050. CEMEX is the clear industry leader in the use of hydrogen, and this partnership allows us to further expand our hydrogen knowledge in the ultimate quest to replace fossil fuels with hydrogen in our plants,” said Gonzalo Galindo, Head of CEMEX Ventures. “With hydrogen becoming an increasingly attractive element for industrial decarbonization, we are excited to be one of the top companies in the cement industry that include a clean hydrogen production startup in its investment portfolio.”
With this investment, CEMEX is moving forward with its Future in Action program and one of the most important sectors for decarbonizing cement operations in order to achieve its ambitious climate action goals. CEMEX aims to meet its goal of delivering net-zero CO2 concrete by 2050 by leveraging and combining multiple promising technologies.
