Universal Continuing Decision Process For: Calera *
| Calera is a California-based startup that makes cement from flue gas and seawater. The technology uses CO2 in the flue gas to precipitate carbonates out of the seawater. The process mimics, to some extent, what corals and other calcifying marine organisms do. Once dried, the Calera cement can be used as a replacement for Portland cement. Calera claims the cement sequesters half a ton of CO2 for every ton of cement produced. Due to resistance from the construction industry, Calera will probably begin by commercially offering the product as aggregate rather than cement. Calera is piloting the technology at Dynegy’s 1,000-MW Moss Landing Power Plant on the California coast. The company plans to be in commercial operation by 2010. In December, 2009, Calera Corporation and Bechtel Power announced a strategic alliance to develop and construct facilities using Calera's innovative carbon capture technology. In March, 2010, Peabody Energy acquired a $15 million equity interest in Calera. See, “Cement from CO2: A Concrete Cure for Global Warming?” August 7, 2008. |
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