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Terra CO2 raises $82 million in Series B funding to scale its low-carbon cement technology, backed by investors including Just Climate, Eagle Materials, and GenZero. The company plans to expand across North America and Europe, with its first full-scale production plant set to begin in Texas. Its OPUS technology provides a sustainable alternative to traditional cement, aiming to reduce emissions without requiring major infrastructure changes.
The Massive Investment That Pushes Terra CO2 Forward
Terra CO2 has secured $82 million in Series B funding to expand its low-carbon cement technology. The investment round was co-led by Just Climate, Eagle Materials, and GenZero, with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Several industrial partners are also involved, with additional funding commitments expected in the coming months.
The capital will accelerate the deployment of Terra CO2’s OPUS technology, which offers an alternative to traditional cement. With multiple full-scale production plants planned across North America and early development beginning in Europe, the funding supports the company’s efforts to scale its operations.
CEO Bill Yearsley emphasized that support from climate-focused investors and industry leaders reinforces confidence in Terra CO2’s approach. The company is preparing to break ground on its first commercial-scale facility in Texas while securing additional sites to expand production.
Why the Cement Industry Needs a Green Makeover Now
Cement production accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making it one of the largest contributors to industrial pollution. Traditional manufacturing methods rely on energy-intensive processes and materials that release significant greenhouse gases.
The construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable materials. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) play a critical role in reducing emissions, but many conventional SCMs, such as fly ash, are becoming less available. Developing scalable alternatives that work within existing infrastructure is essential for decarbonizing cement production.
Rising urbanization and infrastructure development continue to drive cement demand. Without viable replacements for high-emission materials, the industry’s environmental footprint will remain a challenge. Companies that can provide low-carbon alternatives without requiring major infrastructure changes have a competitive edge.
Terra CO2’s Technology and How It Changes the Game
Terra CO2’s OPUS technology provides a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement by utilizing abundant raw materials from existing mines. Unlike other solutions that depend on limited resources or require modifications to cement plants, Terra CO2’s approach integrates with current production methods.
The company has introduced two key products:
- OPUS SCM™ – A supplementary cementitious material capable of replacing up to 50% of ordinary Portland cement (OPC).
- OPUS ZERO™ – A potential full replacement for OPC, currently in advanced concrete trials.
Third-party testing has confirmed that these materials perform on par with or better than traditional cement. By enabling a direct substitution for high-emission materials, Terra CO2 aims to provide a scalable decarbonization strategy for the construction sector.
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Where Terra CO2 Is Expanding Next
The company’s first commercial-scale plant is set to be built in Texas in partnership with Asher Materials. Additional facilities are planned across North America, supported by option agreements with Eagle Materials. Terra CO2 has also received a $52.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund a second commercial plant.
Expansion efforts are not limited to the United States. With early-stage development underway in Europe, Terra CO2 is positioning itself to serve international markets. By leveraging its technology to meet regional environmental regulations and construction demands, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon cement alternatives globally.
Industry Leaders and Investors Place Their Bets on Terra CO2
The Series B funding round attracted backing from some of the most prominent investors in climate-focused and industrial sectors. Michael Haack, President and CEO of Eagle Materials, emphasized the need for scalable SCM solutions as traditional materials become less available.
Just Climate’s Managing Director, Benoit Grobon, highlighted the importance of accelerating practical decarbonization strategies in hard-to-abate industries like cement production. GenZero’s Head of Investments, Kimberly Tan, pointed to the extensive commercial testing and industry demand for Terra CO2’s technology as key factors in their decision to invest.
The company has already demonstrated real-world applications. Its cement alternatives have been used in projects such as the construction of a Porsche dealership in Houston. Industry recognition has also grown, with Terra CO2 winning the “Decarbonization Solution of the Year” award at the 2024 CleanTech Breakthrough Awards.
What This Means for the Future of Sustainable Construction
The demand for low-carbon building materials is increasing as governments and industries implement stricter emissions regulations. Companies that develop practical solutions capable of integrating into existing supply chains have a clear advantage.
Terra CO2’s expansion reflects a broader shift in the construction industry toward sustainable alternatives. The company’s ability to produce cement replacements at scale without requiring infrastructure overhauls makes it a strong player in the market.
With further funding expected and additional plants in development, Terra CO2 is entering a critical phase of growth. As investment in sustainable materials continues, the success of companies like Terra CO2 will play a significant role in shaping the future of the construction industry.
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