This week, the cement industry saw three major developments: a breakthrough in fully electrified clinker production, a significant rise in cement demand in Spain, and Heidelberg Materials’ expansion of autonomous equipment.
These shifts are strengthening interest in secondary cementitious materials, particularly ACS (air‑cooled slag) and GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag), which continue to gain importance in low‑carbon cement solutions.
Holcim and SaltX produce clinker using a fully electrified process
SaltX Technology and Holcim successfully produced clinker using a fully electrified process with the Electric Clinker Reactor (ECR).
This marks the first time both calcination and sintering have been performed without fossil fuels.
Electrification opens new opportunities for cement blends with higher clinker substitution rates, where ACS and GBFS traditionally play a key role.
Combined with low‑carbon electricity, these materials help significantly reduce overall CO₂ emissions.
Spanish cement consumption rises in Q1 2026
According to Oficemen, cement consumption in Spain increased by 8.5% in the first quarter of 2026 — the highest level in 15 years.
March alone saw a 27.7% year‑on‑year increase.
Market growth is boosting demand for modern cement blends, including those incorporating ACS and GBFS.
Spain has been using slag‑based cements widely in residential and infrastructure projects, and the current demand surge reinforces this trend.
Heidelberg Materials to scale autonomous equipment deployment
Heidelberg Materials announced the expansion of autonomous heavy equipment across sites in the US, Australia and Europe.
Plans include:
- around 30 autonomous machines in 2026,
- more than 100 units by 2028.
Autonomous systems improve the efficiency of material handling and logistics — including large‑volume slag materials such as ACS and GBFS.
This enhances the economic viability of secondary materials and supports their broader adoption in cement production.
Summary
This week highlights three major industry trends:
- electrification of clinker production,
- market growth in Spain,
- digitalisation and automation of operations.
Together, these developments create favourable conditions for the wider use of ACS and GBFS, which are becoming essential components of modern low‑carbon cement solutions.