On July 1–2, 2025, the Buzzi Unicem plant in Vernasca hosted representatives of the European partners involved in HERCCULES, a major EU-funded initiative aimed at developing and demonstrating carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies in Southern Europe.

Coordinated by the LEAP Institute of Piacenza, the project brings together 25 international partners – including universities, research centers, technology providers, and industrial stakeholders.

Buzzi Unicem is actively involved in the HERCCULES project, providing its Vernasca plant for the development of a pilot unit in support of the transition to low-emission industrial models.

The meeting gathered around 60 participants in the plant’s new conference hall. Over the course of two days, attendees engaged in technical discussions, presentations, workshops, and guided tours.

Among the key contributions was a presentation by Sara Irico, researcher at Built – Buzzi Innovation Lab and Technology, who explored the topic of “CO₂ utilization & resource circularity”, highlighting the Group’s commitment to innovation, circular economy, and environmental sustainability.

The Vernasca plant plays a central role in the project, hosting two pilot demonstration units:

• a CO₂ capture system based on solvents, currently undergoing commissioning;
• a fluidized bed system for CO₂ adsorption using natural zeolites, which can later be used as supplementary cementitious materials.

Participants also appreciated the guided tour of the cement plant and the CO₂ capture unit developed by Tecno Project Industriale (TPI), part of the SIAD Group and a technology partner in the project.

To learn more about the project, visit the website: herccules.eu