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Panel discussion during the first public dialogue on the CO2LLECT project at the Cemex cement plant in Rüdersdorf with experts and local residents
12/9/2025

First Public Dialogue on the CO2LLECT Project in Rüdersdorf

On December 9, 2025, the first public dialogue on the CO2LLECT project took place at Cemex's cement plant in Rüdersdorf. Eight experts from Cemex responded to the interest, questions and criticism of around 50 citizens from Rüdersdorf and the surrounding communities.

The event began with three short introductions. Annett Heibel, Stakeholder Relationship Manager at Cemex Germany, presented the company's decarbonization strategy and the CO2LLECT project. As part of the project, our consortium partner Linde plans to build and operate a carbon dioxide capture and liquefaction plant. Thomas Tork, Senior Business Development Manager at Linde, explained how the CO₂ capture plant works. Finally, Dr Anne-Mette Cheese, Chair of the Advisory Board of the Carbon Management Alliance, provided information on the geological conditions and international project experience with offshore CO₂ storage. Afterwards, the speakers and other colleagues answered questions from the audience.

The public dialogue was moderated by Ira Roschlau, Think Tank East (DenkRaumOst gUG).

The result of the public dialogue was a constructive, comprehensive, respectful exchange on equal terms, for which Cemex would like to thank all those involved. It proved particularly helpful that many residents had submitted their questions in advance. This enabled the experts to address the issues that are particularly important to the neighbourhood – from safety aspects of CO₂ capture and transport routes to future communication formats.

Alexandra Decker, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, emphasized how valuable the feedback from the neighbourhood is for further project communication. The participants' feedback and questions will be incorporated into the next round of dialogue, which is planned for mid-2026.

Audience at public dialogue on Dec. 9, 2025
RBB interviews member of the community initiative “Living Healthy at Lake Stienitz”
Former mayor of Ruedersdorf talking to moderator, Ira Roschlau

Video transcript::

On the evening of December 9, 2025, the first public dialogue for project CO2LLECT took place at the Rüdersdorf cement plant. CO2LLECT is the largest CO2 capture project of the global Cemex Group and also the largest CO2 capture project planned so far in eastern Germany.

As a CCS project (Carbon Capture and Storage), it involves the capture, transport, and permanent storage of CO2 under the seabed.

Approximately 50 citizens attended the public dialogue at the cement plant, as well as guests from the political spectrum and representatives from a community initiative. Eight experts from Cemex gave short presentations and answered questions from the audience. Those present included project managers, project partners, the Carbon Management Alliance, one Cemex executive, and the Cemex plant director.

The public dialogue was led by an external moderator from the local think tank "DenkRaumOst". The event was publicised via press release, the CO2LLECT website www.co2llect.de, social media channels, posters displayed in the community, employee advertising, and personal invitations.

Participants were asked to register and submit questions in advance. The topics of rail transport, noise, energy requirements, possible electricity price effects, and long-term costs for cement and construction aroused great interest.

External moderation ensured a balanced discussion. The opportunity to prepare many questions helped to provide well-founded answers. Overall, a constructive dialogue developed, characterized by technical depth and a respectful tone.

The public dialogue was covered by the press. We would like to thank all visitors, participants, and reporters for their interest, involvement, and positive feedback.

Feedback via the website is always welcome and will be considered in further dialogues in 2026.