Cemex Ventures increases investment in waste-to-energy startup

Cemex Ventures made a new investment in Waste to Energy Advanced Solutions (WtEnergy), a leading startup based in Barcelona, Spain, that specializes in the conversion of non-recyclable solid waste and biomass into clean energy.

Cemex, a Mexico-based firm with U.S. headquarters in Houston, says its corporate venture capital arm is strengthening its commitment to WtEnergy to support the development and scalability of a technology with the potential to upgrade waste into low-carbon syngas, clean hydrogen and other bioproducts.

According to Cemex, this investment is made with the objective of accelerating the integration of clean energy sources into Cemex’s global clinker and cement manufacturing operations, a cornerstone of its decarbonization strategy.

“WtEnergy perfectly embodies the type of solutions we aim to promote within our circular economy and clean energy strategy,” Cemex Ventures Investment Manager Alfredo Carrato says. “The advancement of technologies that can turn waste into clean fuels and low-carbon solutions is essential for the decarbonization of the construction sector. With this new investment, we reinforce our commitment to supporting startups that are redefining the industry’s energy future and creating tangible value across the cement value chain.”  

Cemex Ventures said its decision to increase its investment in WtEnergy is based on tangible progress and growing institutional recognition of its technology. WtEnergy has received EUR 4.4 million ($5.21 million) in support from the European Union Innovation Fund Grant.

The firm also was awarded with an EUR 10 million ($11.9 million) grant by Horizon Europe related to its clean hydrogen production through the EU Horizon Europe Hyield Project.

Cemex says this investment reinforces its commitment to its future in action program, which aims to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.