L2M – Forge Climate Business Development

Cement manufacturing is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to all gas-powered passenger vehicles on the road today. The primary emissions source is the high-temperature decomposition of limestone, a process deeply embedded in traditional cement production. Forge Climate is tackling this challenge with a novel, electricity-driven solution: the cement electrolyzer. Powered by renewable energy, our system produces key cement precursors at room temperature. This approach not only avoids combustion-related emissions but also releases a pure stream of CO2, enabling low-cost carbon capture without the energy penalties of current technologies. Forge Climate’s process is projected to maintain cost parity with today’s cement, a stark contrast to post-combustion capture methods, which may double or triple costs. To move toward commercialization, Forge aims to build a pilot plant to support third-party certification and small-scale deployment, proving technical viability and product-market fit. This Mitacs project supports the development of a business strategy to bring the cement electrolyzer to market. It will assess customer needs, market segmentation, policy impact, financial models, and environmental benefits. The goal: to position Forge Climate for successful capital raising and ultimately, industry-scale deployment of clean cement production.

Faculty Supervisor:

Curtis Berlinguette

Student:

Partner:

I-INC Foundation for Business Development

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: