Germany: Heidelberg Materials has decided to pause its GeZero project in Geseke ‘in its current form’ and to ‘further optimise’ the project setup, according to a press release from 22 October 2026. It said that, despite all efforts, the implementation of the project could not progress as planned because current framework conditions were ‘not yet sufficient’ to support a ‘robust’ business case. In particular, it said, the relevant value chains are not yet mature enough to ensure that CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure solutions will be available on time, and at an acceptable level of economic risk for the company. The decision has no direct impact on the ongoing operation of the Geseke cement plant.
Christoph Streicher, General Manager Germany, said ”The Geseke site remains of great importance to Heidelberg Materials. The current pause is a decision made after careful consideration, to successfully plan the next steps for the GeZero project in the long term under the right economic and regulatory conditions.”
Heidelberg Materials said that its current CCUS projects in Europe and North America will will be implemented first, for which the necessary conditions for a successful business case are reportedly in place.