In a major breakthrough for sustainable construction, Furno, a Mountain View-based startup, has been awarded a $20 million grant from the Department of Energy to build up to eight micro-kilns at a concrete plant in Chicago. This innovative project, dubbed Project Oz, aims to reduce pollution and eliminate transportation costs by producing cement locally.

Furno's micro-kilns, which are more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional rotary kilns, will be powered by biogas and utilize recycled materials, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of cement production. This technology has the potential to transform the cement industry, which is currently responsible for 8% of global carbon pollution.

The project is expected to create 50 construction jobs and 30 permanent jobs, providing a much-needed economic boost to the area. Furno plans to raise a Series A round in early 2025 to cover additional expenses.

This grant is part of the Department of Energy's efforts to support sustainable technologies and create jobs in the clean energy sector. Furno is one of two cement startups to receive funding, with Terra CO2 securing $52.6 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Utah.