This funding is part of the DOE’s broader strategy to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The funding will be distributed through a competitive grant program, with a focus on projects that demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of carbon capture technologies. The program will prioritize projects that address the specific challenges of cement and power plants, such as high energy consumption and the need for long-term storage solutions. The announcement comes as the Biden administration seeks to achieve its ambitious climate goals, including reducing emissions by 50% by 2030.

The potential of cement production to capture CO2 is significant, as it can be incorporated into the cement production process itself, effectively reducing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere. This is achieved through the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. **Here’s how CCS technology works in cement production:**

1. **Capture:** CO2 is captured from the flue gas stream of the cement kiln, which is the primary source of CO2 emissions. This can be achieved through various methods, such as amine scrubbing, which uses a chemical solution to absorb CO2. 2.