Heidelberg Materials suspended its CCS project in Sweden.
On 19 November, the company announced a pause in the implementation of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) system at the Slite plant (Gotland). The project was expected to reduce the country’s emissions by 1.8 million tonnes per year, about 4% of Sweden’s total emissions. The government’s refusal to provide funding raised concerns about future dependence on cement imports. In this context, producers emphasize the importance of alternative materials such as Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS), which can partially replace clinker and lower the carbon footprint.
Source: Global Cement
EBRD invests in cement decarbonisation.
On 17 November, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) granted a €50 million loan to Çimsa for production modernisation in Turkey. The project includes building a kiln for Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC), which has a significantly lower carbon footprint. Alongside new technologies, Air-Cooled Slag (ACS) is also considered a resource to strengthen concrete and reduce reliance on natural aggregates.
Source: Global Cement
World Cement Association warns of triple price increase.
At the Frankfurt summit, WCA Director Emir Adigüzel stated that current EU policies could lead to a threefold or even fourfold increase in cement prices. The main reasons are high energy costs and the price of carbon quotas. Participants stressed that using GBFS and ACS could help mitigate price growth, as these materials reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Source: CemNet
Conclusion
The European cement industry in November 2025 shows a clear trend towards stricter regulation and the search for new solutions. On one hand — CCS projects paused and price risks, on the other — investments in low-carbon technologies and the strategic use of GBFS and ACS. The future of the industry depends on whether Europe can combine green transformation with market stability.