The cement industry is undergoing a period of deep technological transformation, with ACS (air‑cooled slag) and GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag) at its core. These materials are becoming essential tools for reducing clinker content and enabling low‑carbon cement production. Recent investment projects confirm the strategic importance of slag‑based technologies.
Çimsa’s hydrogen facility opens new opportunities for slag‑based cements
Çimsa has begun construction of a hydrogen facility at its Buñol plant in Valencia.
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Although the project focuses on green hydrogen, it strengthens the competitiveness of GBFS‑based cements, because:
- hydrogen reduces the carbon footprint of the production process,
- GBFS reduces clinker content,
- together, these technologies create a new standard for low‑carbon cement.
Hydrogen investments therefore create favourable conditions for expanding the use of GBFS in cement blends.
€500m for Broceni Net Zero: a modernisation that reinforces the role of GBFS and ACS
SCHWENK Latvija is investing €500m in the modernisation of the Broceni cement plant as part of its Net Zero Project.
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The project includes:
- a full reconstruction of the production line,
- CO₂ capture technologies,
- a shift to alternative fuels.
This creates the conditions for large‑scale use of GBFS in low‑carbon cements, as well as expanded use of ACS in road and infrastructure construction.
The modernisation effectively lays the foundation for next‑generation slag‑based technologies at the plant.
Conclusions
- GBFS and ACS are becoming central materials in cement decarbonisation strategies.
- Hydrogen projects, such as Çimsa’s, create favourable conditions for increasing the share of slag‑based cements.
- The Broceni modernisation shows that major investments are directed toward low‑clinker cement production.
- GBFS remains the primary clinker substitute, while ACS strengthens its role in the road construction sector.
- The industry is moving toward a model where slag‑based materials form the foundation of low‑carbon cement production.