The global cement sector is rapidly moving toward deep decarbonisation, investing in CCS, electrified production and large‑scale plant upgrades. These developments create favourable conditions for wider adoption of ACS (air‑cooled slag) and GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag) — key low‑carbon materials that enable clinker reduction.
Votorantim Cimentos receives €119m for a decarbonisation project in Spain
Votorantim Cimentos has received €119m in public funding to build a CO₂‑capture unit at its Toral de los Vados plant. The project aims to significantly reduce emissions and modernise production, opening the door to further clinker reduction and broader use of low‑carbon components such as GBFS in cement formulations.
SaltX receives EU funding for electrified cement production
SaltX Technology, together with Holcim and Paebbl, has secured EU funding to demonstrate fully electrified clinker production with integrated CO₂ mineralisation. Electrification reduces the carbon footprint of traditional clinker and strengthens the competitiveness of cements with high GBFS content and other low‑carbon SCMs. This approach forms a new production model in which GBFS becomes a central component of low‑carbon blends.
Worley secures engineering services contract for Holcim’s CCS projects in the UK and EU
Worley has signed a long‑term agreement with Holcim to support 14 carbon‑capture and storage projects. Holcim aims to capture up to 5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2030, enabling the production of near‑zero‑emission cement. This CCS expansion provides the technical foundation for wider adoption of low‑clinker, GBFS‑based cements, while ACS continues to play an important role in road and infrastructure applications.
Summary
- All three developments highlight the industry’s shift toward technologies that strengthen the role of ACS and GBFS.
- GBFS is becoming a core component of next‑generation low‑carbon cements.
- ACS remains strategically important in infrastructure and road construction.
- Decarbonisation, electrification and CCS are enabling a large‑scale transition to cement with minimal clinker content.