Former Deep Sky Executive Launches Cement Decarbonization Startup

Phil De Luna, the former chief science and commercial officer of Deep Sky, has co-founded a new startup named Cura, focusing on decarbonizing the cement industry. He has partnered with University of British Columbia (UBC) researcher Sabrina Scott and Erin Bobicki, co-founder of Aurora Hydrogen and former chief technology officer. This initiative aims to develop an electrochemical technology to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from limestone, significantly reducing the environmental impact of cement production.

Concrete is responsible for approximately eight percent of global CO2 emissions. The cement used in concrete is produced by heating limestone, a process that releases large amounts of CO2. Bobicki, now the CEO of Cura, emphasizes that while various companies are exploring alternatives to traditional cement, many are not addressing the direct emissions associated with its production. She stated, “The only thing that’s really ready to go is point-source carbon capture and storage, and the challenge there is it tends to be very expensive.”

Cura’s innovative approach utilizes an electrolyzer to separate limestone into lime, which is essential for cement, and pure CO2, which can then be repurposed. The company claims that its technology can reduce CO2 emissions from cement production by up to 85 percent. Bobicki believes that Cura’s method can be more cost-effective than conventional cement production, which often requires a “green premium.”

Cura recently emerged from stealth mode and is currently bootstrapped but is actively fundraising for a pilot facility capable of producing 100 tonnes of cement per year. The startup aims to deploy this facility within the next 12 to 16 months in either British Columbia or Alberta. Additionally, Cura plans to launch a demonstration facility capable of producing 10,000 tonnes annually within three years and hopes to implement its technology at a large-scale cement plant within the next five years.

The company has already established partnerships with an international infrastructure developer to test and potentially deploy its cement solutions in large-scale projects. Cura is in discussions with cement manufacturers to pilot its technology, aiming to integrate its innovations directly into their production processes.

De Luna explained his transition from Deep Sky to founding Cura, stating that he sought the opportunity to build a company that aligns with his vision for a sustainable future. He clarified that his departure was not due to a lack of faith in Deep Sky or direct air capture (DAC) technology but rather a desire to tackle the pressing issue of cement emissions. “I was waiting for the right problem, the right technology, and the right team, and I found them all here in Cura,” he said.

Cura’s mission aligns with Canada’s broader goals for reducing carbon emissions. De Luna noted that the DAC landscape is becoming increasingly crowded, with over 150 startups currently in the field. He acknowledged the challenges of generating revenue through carbon credits, which have become a tough sell in the current market. Despite these hurdles, he remains optimistic that both Deep Sky and Cura can play significant roles in helping Canada achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.

“I’ve always said that we need to both reduce emissions and remove them,” De Luna stated. He highlighted the importance of decarbonizing materials that are foundational to infrastructure, particularly in light of Canada’s push to build major energy and transportation projects. He believes that the current political climate presents an opportunity for Canada to lead in climate solutions, filling gaps left by other nations.

Cura’s innovative approach to cement production could be a pivotal element in addressing climate change and building a sustainable future.