Sweden: SaltX Technology and Holcim have produced Portland-quality clinker using a fully electrified process, following industrial-scale testing at SaltX’s test and research centre in Hofors, Sweden. Holcim’s cement raw meal was calcined using only electricity and then sintered using SaltX’s new electric clinker reactor. The company says it eliminates the need for a fossil-fuel powered kiln and demonstrates a ‘fundamentally new approach’ to cement production. The resulting clinker reportedly meets industrial quality requirements.
CEO of SaltX Lina Jorheden said “This marks a major step forward in demonstrating that a fully electrified cement process is not only possible but can be implemented in an industrial setting. Electrifying both calcination and sintering is key to enabling this shift, and the results demonstrate a new approach to cement production.”
Head of Holcim MAQER Ventures Bengt Steinbrecher said “SaltX demonstrated that their electrification solution is able to produce clinker of Portland quality. This is a strong validation of their technology and an important step on the industrial scale-up roadmap for future cement production.”
The results are a step forward toward the planned pilot plant. SaltX will provide further updates about the development as the project progresses.
