Holcim commissions new membrane test facility for CO₂ capture at the Höver cement plant (Germany)
Holcim has commissioned a new membrane‑based CO₂ capture test facility at its Höver cement plant. The technology was developed by the Helmholtz Centre Hereon and commercialised by Cool Planet Technologies. The installation is designed to capture up to 90% of CO₂ from the plant’s flue gases.
The membranes consist of multilayer polymers that allow CO₂ to permeate faster than nitrogen or oxygen. Flue gases pass through membrane modules, where CO₂ is separated and can be used as a feedstock, while the remaining purified gas stream is returned to the production process.
The project is supported by Germany’s Industrial and Climate Protection Programme, aimed at accelerating CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage) technologies. In its initial phase, the system can capture up to 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, with the potential to reach 90% of the plant’s annual emissions in its final configuration.
CO₂ capture technologies are a key enabler for the transition to low‑clinker cements, where GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag) and ACS (air‑cooled slag) play a strategic role in reducing CO₂ intensity. Lower process emissions allow producers to expand the use of slag‑based SCMs in cement formulations.
Loesche supplies equipment for the new ZKW Otterbein grinding plant (Germany)
Loesche has announced the supply of key equipment for the new ZKW Otterbein grinding plant. The project includes the installation of modern vertical roller mills designed for energy‑efficient grinding of cement components.
The new equipment provides:
- reduced energy consumption,
- stable particle size distribution,
- capability to process various SCMs, including GBFS and ACS,
- optimisation of low‑clinker cement formulations.
Thanks to the high efficiency of slag grinding, the new Otterbein plant strengthens the company’s transition toward low‑carbon cement production. The use of GBFS and ACS, combined with Loesche’s advanced milling technology, enables high strength and durability while significantly reducing CO₂ intensity.
Conclusions
- Holcim is taking a strategic step toward deep decarbonisation by implementing membrane‑based CO₂ capture technology, creating favourable conditions for broader use of GBFS and ACS in low‑clinker cements.
- ZKW Otterbein and Loesche are investing in high‑efficiency grinding equipment that optimises slag utilisation and supports the production of low‑carbon cement.
2026 shows a clear trend: European cement producers are actively deploying CO₂ capture technologies and modernising grinding systems for GBFS/ACS, strengthening their position in the low‑carbon materials market.