The cement industry in the first half of 2026 shows strong progress in decarbonisation, production modernisation and the shift towards renewable energy. Companies are expanding CO₂ capture programmes, signing long‑term energy agreements and increasing the share of low‑carbon products — developments that continue to support stable demand for GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag) and ACS (air‑cooled slag) in low‑clinker cement systems.
Statkraft extends solar power supply to Cementos Portland Valderrivas until 2036
Statkraft has extended its long‑term PPA with Cementos Portland Valderrivas until the end of 2036. The company will supply 50 GWh of solar energy per year, covering around 10% of the cement producer’s annual electricity consumption in Spain.
The shift to renewable energy reduces the carbon footprint of clinker production, making low‑clinker cements — particularly those based on GBFS and ACS — even more competitive in decarbonised formulations.
Heidelberg Materials reports revenue growth and CCUS progress
Heidelberg Materials recorded 6% revenue growth in Q2 2026, reaching €6 billion, while operating profit increased by 4% to €1 billion.
Key highlights:
- share of “green” products increased to 38%,
- specific emissions remained at 510 kg CO₂/t cement,
- new production line launched at Airvault (1.25 Mt/year),
- CCUS installation under construction at Padeswood.
The rising share of low‑carbon products reflects broader adoption of alternative SCMs, with GBFS and ACS remaining essential components for clinker reduction.
Holcim reports strong financial performance and business expansion
Holcim reported €8.5 billion in net sales in the first half of 2026 (+5% YoY).
Key figures:
- operating profit — €1.37 billion,
- cement sales — €3.42 billion,
- ECOPlanet share — 40%,
- updated 2026 outlook — ~5% organic growth.
ECOPlanet is Holcim’s low‑clinker cement line, where GBFS and ACS are widely used as core mineral components for CO₂ reduction. The growing share of ECOPlanet indicates sustained demand for slag‑based materials.
Rohrdorfer Zement doubles CO₂ capture capacity at its pilot plant
Rohrdorfer Zement has increased CO₂ capture capacity at its Rohrdorf pilot plant to 2 tonnes/day (previously 0.9 t/day).
The improvement was achieved through:
- installation of a second absorption column,
- integration of Andritz’s oxystripper (removing 90% of dissolved oxygen),
- higher CO₂ purity for long‑term storage.
CO₂ capture is a key element of low‑carbon cement production, reinforcing the role of low‑clinker cements, where GBFS and ACS are primary SCMs for clinker substitution.