Paebbl Launches Innovative CO2 Demo Plant in Rotterdam
Rotterdam, Thursday, 17 April 2025.
Paebbl opens a demo plant in Rotterdam, converting CO2 into dust, marking a significant advancement in reducing carbon emissions with innovative carbon capture technology.
Breakthrough Technology
Dutch-Nordic startup Paebbl has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its demonstration plant in Rotterdam, which began operations on March 26, 2025 [1]. The facility represents a pioneering approach to carbon capture, utilizing an innovative process that transforms CO2 into a powder-like silicon-rich magnesium carbonate through the mineralization of olivine rock [2]. This development comes at a crucial time, as global cement production currently accounts for over 8% of total emissions, approximately 4 billion tonnes of CO2 [1].
Strategic Investment and Support
The project has garnered substantial financial backing, securing $25 million in funding in October 2024 from prominent investors including Amazon, Holcim, and Goldbeck, bringing total investment to $38 million [2]. Additionally, the Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth has demonstrated its confidence in the technology by providing a $2.2 million DEI+ grant [1]. Andreas Saari, co-CEO and co-founder of Paebbl, emphasizes that this milestone ‘brings the Dutch-Nordic startup one step closer to bringing high-performance materials and climate impact together on a scale that really matters’ [2].
Expansion and Future Plans
Paebbl has experienced significant growth since its founding in 2021, expanding to nearly 60 employees across operations in London, Rotterdam, Helsinki, and Stockholm [1]. The company has outlined ambitious plans for scaling its technology, with aims to establish a commercial-scale plant by 2028 [1]. The startup intends to target regions with high demand for building materials, proximity to CO2 and olivine rock supply, and access to renewable energy, particularly focusing on the Nordics, Spain, and Portugal [2]. Their ultimate goal is to bring 1 million tons of their carbon-mineralized rock powder product to market by 2030 [2].
Alignment with National Climate Goals
The launch of Paebbl’s demonstration plant aligns with the Netherlands’ broader climate objectives, including the recently announced Carbon Dioxide Removal Roadmap from March 14, 2025 [3]. This national initiative aims for 20-25 million tonnes of carbon dioxide removal capacity by 2040, with the country pursuing net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 [3]. The Port of Rotterdam, where Paebbl’s facility is located, has established itself as a leader in carbon capture technology and low-emission logistics initiatives [4].