This week, the cement industry is showing strong momentum toward production electrification, CO₂ reduction and expanded use of slag-based materials — ACS (air‑cooled blast furnace slag) and GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag). Companies are implementing new technologies that could significantly reshape the low‑carbon cement market.
Holcim and SaltX advance electrified pre‑calcination testing
SaltX Technology and Holcim announced progress in testing an electrified pre‑calcination system. The solution is based on high‑temperature electric reactors that replace traditional fossil‑fuel combustion.
This technology has the potential to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and improve cement production efficiency, creating favourable conditions for wider use of GBFS as a low‑carbon component in cement blends.
CarbiCrete receives funding to scale cement‑free concrete
CarbiCrete has secured government funding to expand its cement‑free concrete technology, which is based on steel slag mineralisation. Although the project is North American, the technology is already being integrated into production lines in Europe, including France.
This development directly affects the ACS and GBFS market by demonstrating new applications for slag materials in low‑carbon construction products.
Slag materials strengthen their role in low‑carbon technologies
Growing interest in production electrification and clinker‑free cement reinforces the importance of GBFS as a key SCM (supplementary cementitious material).
ACS is also gaining traction in road construction and in concrete mixes requiring enhanced durability.
The week clearly shows that slag processing innovations and electrified cement production are becoming major drivers of industry decarbonisation.