CEMEX Ventures invests in HiiROC clean hydrogen production startup

In Mexico, CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. and CEMEX Ventures announced their investment in HiiROC, a clean hydrogen production startup. HiiROC developed a technology that uses thermal plasma electrolysis to transform biomethane, flare gas, or natural gas into hydrogen at a lower cost than competing solutions and without a CO2 footprint. Together with HiiROC, CEMEX aims to increase its hydrogen injection capacity across its cement operations while reducing the consumption of fossil fuels.

HiiROC, a UK-based company founded in 2019, developed a novel process that efficiently produces high purity hydrogen and clean carbon black at superior temperatures and pressure. As part of this investment, CEMEX and HiiROC aim to increase CEMEX’s hydrogen injection capacity in its cement kilns, allowing for a higher alternative fuel substitution rate of fossil fuels. This initiative is designed to further cut methane emissions and other greenhouse gases downstream, a key objective set at COP26 in Glasgow.