The goal of the Cleanker (Clean clinker production by calcium looping process) project is to determine whether the carbon dioxide generated during the cement production cycle can be “captured” to prevent it from being released into the atmosphere, and so ultimately to help limit the greenhouse effect. 
The research is being funded by Horizon 2020 (H2020), the 7-year Framework Program (2014-2020) through which the European Commission supports the most promising research, innovation and technology transfer activities in Europe. 
The initiative, which involves 12 European and one Chinese partners, is coordinated by LEAP (Energy and Environment Laboratory Piacenza), a consortium operating in the energy and environment sector and supported by the Polytechnic Institute of Milan, the Catholic University of Milan and local authorities within the Piacenza region.    
The project was launched on 1 October 2017 and Buzzi Unicem’s Vernasca plant will host the world’s very first pilot system which is in an advanced state of design. The system will allow to test and validate the Calcium Looping (CaL) technology within the cement sector. 
All the parties involved are optimistic. This project will very likely have a significant impact in the global cement sector with a reduction in CO2 emissions and the achievement of the ambitious European objectives established by the Paris agreement (COP21).
For further information, please see www.cleanker.eu