Revolutionizing Cement with Carbon-Curing Innovation
Funded through the Grand Challenge: Innovative Carbon Uses in 2017, the Solidia Technologies project aimed to develop a breakthrough process that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing product performance. At the heart of this innovation is Solidia Cement™, a low-lime, non-hydraulic alternative to traditional Portland cement, which is manufactured at lower temperatures and with less limestone—cutting CO2 emissions by up to 30 per cent. When used to produce Solidia Concrete™, the material is cured not with water, but with captured carbon dioxide, permanently sequestering up to 300 kilograms of CO2 per tonne of cement. This dual-impact approach reduces emissions at the source and stores CO2 in the final product.
The technology has been successfully demonstrated across a range of precast applications, including pavers, blocks, hollow core slabs, and architectural panels. Working in partnership with LafargeHolcim, Solidia conducted pilot trials at multiple manufacturing sites in Alberta and Ontario, retrofitting existing curing chambers to accommodate CO2-based curing. These trials confirmed that Solidia Concrete meets or exceeds CSA standards, improves production efficiency, and reduces costs—all while delivering substantial environmental benefits. With its scalable design and compatibility with conventional cement kilns and concrete plants, Solidia’s system offers a practical, high-impact solution for reducing emissions in one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.
Bridging Innovation and Industry Readiness
The success of Solidia’s pilot demonstrations has laid the foundation for broader market adoption, particularly in regions seeking to decarbonize heavy industry without sacrificing economic performance. By retrofitting existing infrastructure and minimizing operational disruption, the technology offers a low-barrier path for manufacturers to transition toward more sustainable practices. In Alberta, where several trials were conducted, Solidia’s system proved compatible with local production methods and climate conditions, reinforcing its adaptability. Beyond emissions reductions, the process delivers tangible operational benefits, shorter curing times, reduced water use, and improved product consistency.
What’s next?
Since project completion, Solidia Technologies has continued to refine and scale its carbon-curing cement platform, transitioning from pilot demonstrations to commercial readiness. The company’s technology has gained traction across North America, with expanded applications in structural and cast-in-place concrete. Solidia’s approach, which reduces emissions during cement production and permanently stores CO2 during curing, has positioned it as a leader in low-carbon construction materials. In May 2021, Solidia announced $78M in funding to further advance deployment of their technology at commercial scale in Canada and the US. While Solidia chose not to commercialize in Alberta, ERA’s support to Solidia has enabled them to have continued Canadian and international success today.