The European cement sector is showing strong momentum this week, driven by production modernisation, a shift toward alternative fuels and preparations for large‑scale CO₂ capture infrastructure. France, Ireland and Austria have announced key developments that will shape the industry’s trajectory in the coming years.
Heidelberg Materials France commissions new rotary kiln at Airvault
Heidelberg Materials France has commissioned a new rotary kiln at its Airvault plant — a central component of the Airvault 2026 modernisation project.
The upgrade aims to:
- improve energy efficiency,
- increase the share of alternative fuels,
- reduce CO₂ emissions,
- enhance clinker quality and SCM‑based cement blends.
This is one of the largest industrial investments in the French cement sector in the past decade.
Ireland’s cement industry accelerates fossil‑fuel phase‑out
Cement Manufacturers Ireland has announced a new strategy to significantly reduce fossil‑fuel use in cement production.
Producers plan to increase the share of alternative fuels (RDF, biomass, waste‑derived fuels), enabling substantial CO₂ reductions and improved energy resilience.
This transition also supports wider adoption of GBFS and other SCMs, reducing clinker dependency.
Irish Cement installs solar panels at Platin Works
Irish Cement has completed the installation of a large solar‑power system at its Platin plant.
The new system will supply part of the plant’s electricity demand, reducing grid dependency and lowering CO₂ emissions.
This initiative complements Ireland’s broader decarbonisation strategy, combining:
- renewable energy,
- alternative fuels,
- improved production efficiency.
Austria requires 1000‑km CO₂ pipeline for full industrial carbon capture
A new study has found that Austria will need a 1000‑kilometre CO₂ pipeline network to fully support industrial carbon‑capture requirements.
This is especially critical for the cement sector, one of the country’s largest industrial emitters.
Key findings:
- CCS infrastructure is essential for meeting climate targets,
- cement plants cannot fully decarbonise without CO₂ transport capacity,
- demand for SCMs such as GBFS will continue to grow as they reduce the burden on CCS systems.
Summary
The European cement industry is entering a phase of accelerated transformation.
This week highlights three major trends:
- production modernisation (new kiln in France),
- transition to alternative fuels and renewable energy (Ireland),
- preparation for large‑scale CCS infrastructure (Austria).
Together, these developments strengthen the role of GBFS and other slag‑based SCMs as essential components of low‑carbon cement solutions.