NREL's $15 Million Initiative to Enhance Cement and Concrete CO2 Removal Verification

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is at the forefront of a significant $15 million research effort funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to refine the measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) of carbon dioxide (CO2) removal technologies. This initiative is particularly crucial for the cement and concrete industries, known for their substantial CO2 emissions. NREL's involvement includes leading a project focused on developing and validating MRV best practices specifically for cement and concrete CO2 removal pathways.

The cement industry, responsible for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions, faces a critical challenge in reducing its carbon footprint. NREL's project aims to address this by establishing a scientific framework for accurately tracking and verifying CO2 removal within the industry. This effort is part of a broader strategy to mitigate climate change by enhancing the credibility and transparency of CO2 removal technologies.

Collaborating with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and several academic and industry partners, including Solidia Cement and CarbonCure Technologies, NREL seeks to leverage the cement and concrete sectors' potential for significant CO2 removal. The project explores innovative methods to incorporate atmospheric carbon into concrete production, potentially transforming the industry into a net carbon sink.

This multi-laboratory initiative underscores the importance of developing standardized MRV protocols to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of CO2 removal efforts. By focusing on the cement and concrete industries, NREL aims to catalyze a shift towards more sustainable production practices, contributing to the global goal of achieving carbon neutrality and combating climate change.

Source: CleanTechnica