Oman-based climate technology firm 44.01 has secured a strategic investment from global building materials leader Holcim, signalling a move to scale carbon sequestration technology across the construction sector. The funding marks an expansion of a partnership that began with a pilot project at Holcim’s Fujairah cement plant in December 2025, aimed at permanently storing industrial CO2 emissions by mineralising them into rock.

Accelerating Industrial Decarbonization

Founded in 2020, 44.01 specialises in turning captured carbon dioxide into rock by injecting it deep underground, where high-pressure and thermal conditions facilitate a rapid mineralisation process. This technology offers a permanent, geologically secure method for eliminating CO2 from hard-to-abate industrial operations. By testing this system under live conditions in the UAE, the firms have demonstrated the viability of capturing emissions directly at the site of production. For Holcim, this provides a strategic solution for inland operations where conventional offshore carbon storage options may prove difficult to access.

Strengthening Global Support

The move aligns with Holcim’s NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, which prioritises the integration of low-carbon technologies across its global footprint. Beyond its support for UAE Net Zero 2050 targets, the collaboration highlights the shifting requirements of major industrial players to manage site-specific carbon output. According to Holcim, 44.01’s ability to facilitate carbon storage in close proximity to production facilities is a key factor in advancing long-term decarbonisation goals.

44.01 is simultaneously broadening its base of institutional support. Japan’s largest power generator, JERA, has also announced an investment in the company, marking its first backing from the power sector. These latest contributions arrive alongside ongoing support from existing partners such as Climate Investment and Air Liquide’s venture arm, ALIAD. The firm’s momentum is further buoyed by a recent $11.7 million carbon removal offtake agreement with a consortium of global entities, including Google, H&M, Shopify, and Stripe.

Moving Toward Commercial Scale

As 44.01 transitions from pilot testing to commercial-scale operations, the involvement of diverse industrial partners indicates a growing demand for practical, scalable carbon management. The backing from both the construction and energy sectors provides the firm with the necessary capital and operational expertise to pursue its international expansion plans, establishing its role as a developer of infrastructure for a net-zero industrial economy.

Sources

ESG Today · 2026-11-04