Furno, a cement startup based in Mountain View, recently secured a $20 million grant from the Department of Energy to develop low-carbon micro-kilns in Chicago. This grant will enable Furno to build up to eight micro-kilns at a concrete plant in Chicago, which will have a significant impact on reducing pollution and transportation costs in the area.
In a city like Chicago where cement is in high demand, having the nearest kiln located 100 miles away can result in concrete companies paying hefty prices to meet their needs. By introducing micro-kilns, Furno aims to revolutionize the cement industry by providing a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Partnering with Ozinga, Furno’s project will focus on producing cement for Ozinga’s operations at the Chinatown Yard on Chicago’s south side. Ozinga currently purchases 60,000 tons of cement annually from suppliers, and this collaboration with Furno will streamline the production process and reduce the need for extensive transportation networks.
Unlike traditional cement plants that are large and energy-intensive, Furno’s micro-kilns will be tailored to Ozinga’s requirements, utilizing biogas and recycled materials to power the kilns. This approach is expected to significantly decrease the carbon footprint associated with cement production, which is a major contributor to global carbon pollution.
Cement production is notorious for its high carbon emissions, with the industry responsible for 8% of all carbon pollution worldwide. The conventional rotary kilns used in cement manufacturing are inefficient, wasting a large portion of heat energy during the calcination process. In contrast, Furno’s innovative design optimizes heat transfer, reducing fossil fuel pollution by up to 70% and potentially eliminating it entirely with the use of hydrogen as a fuel source.
In addition to the environmental benefits, Furno’s project with Ozinga, known as Project Oz, will create job opportunities in the community. The initiative is expected to generate 50 construction jobs and 30 permanent positions, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
Furthermore, Furno’s success in securing the Department of Energy grant highlights the growing interest in sustainable cement production. Terra CO2, another cement startup based in Colorado, also received a significant award from the DOE to develop a more eco-friendly cement alternative outside of Salt Lake City.
Overall, Furno’s venture represents a positive step towards greener cement manufacturing practices and job creation in Chicago. With ongoing support from government agencies and investors, the future of sustainable construction looks promising as more companies embrace innovative solutions to reduce their environmental impact.
