Launch HN: Heimdal (YC S21) – Carbon neutral cement

Article summary

Heimdal, a company founded by two Oxford University engineering graduates, aims to reduce carbon emissions from cement production by creating synthetic limestone using atmospheric CO2. This process captures more CO2 than is emitted during cement production, making it carbon neutral. The company plans to sell this synthetic limestone to cement producers, who can use it without changing their existing plants. Heimdal is currently building a demo plant and negotiating with concrete producers to decarbonize their limestone supply.

Main themes

• carbon neutral cement
• CO2 capture and utilization
• renewable energy
• cement production
• sustainability
• scalability and cost competitiveness

What commenters say

• The cost of capturing CO2 per ton is a crucial factor in determining the viability of Heimdal's process, and the company needs to scale up production to make a significant impact.
• The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce the cost of production and make the process more efficient.
• Some commenters question the scalability of Heimdal's process, citing the need for large amounts of energy and the potential for transportation emissions to offset the benefits.
• The company's ability to compete with traditional cement producers on cost, with or without carbon credits, is a key factor in its potential for success.
• The environmental benefits of Heimdal's process may be sufficient to persuade cement companies to adopt it, especially if it can help them meet sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint.
• The location of production facilities, including access to cheap renewable energy and transportation infrastructure, will be important in determining the company's ability to scale up production.
• Heimdal's process has the potential to stabilize the grid by acting as an electricity sink when renewable energy production is high, which could provide an additional revenue stream.
• The company's plan to sell carbon credits and synthetic limestone to cement producers could provide a profitable business model, but it depends on the cost of production and the price of carbon credits.