CURA, a Calgary-based startup, raised $14 million to scale its electrochemical process for cement production that can cut emissions by up to 85%. The funding will support a pilot plant in Alberta, with operations expected in 2027. The technology works with existing limestone-based kilns, retrofitting rather than replacing infrastructure, which could make adoption easier for an industry responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions. The raise comes as U.S. climate policy retreats, but Canada and Europe are deepening ties on low-carbon industry. The article also notes Microsoft paused carbon removal purchases, which accounted for 90% of the market in 2025, exposing fragility. CURA's CTO expects a shift toward environmental attribution certificates tied to physical products like low-carbon cement, similar to renewable energy credits, to help companies fund decarbonization elsewhere in the supply chain.
