Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Cement said that it had signed an agreement with Samana Energy to purchase solar energy for a 25-year period. Under the agreement, Riyadh Cement expects to make average annual payments of about US$1.6m, over the contract period. The electricity would be purchased at a lower cost than its current electricity generation costs and below the cost of electricity supplied by Saudi Energy, said the company. Riyadh Cement would not be required to fund the project, subject to obtaining the necessary licences and approvals from the relevant authorities. Operations are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Cement has awarded Tianjin Cement Industry Design and Research Institute a US$14.9m contract for the implementation of its ‘Light House’ project, which aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its operations. The contract has a duration of 24 months. The Chinese company will deploy digital technologies, automation, industry 4.0 applications, AI, advanced data analytics and process optimisation, as well as implement predictive maintenance and other solutions to improve energy efficiency.

The financial impact of the project will be reflected in Riyadh Cement’s financial results according to the implementation phases of the contract, with the operational and financial benefits expected to be realised progressively throughout the project period.

Zimbabwe: Shuntai Investment’s 0.8Mt/yr Chegutu cement plant is now set for commissioning in October 2026, not September 2026 as was previously reported. Company administrator Jack Zhang said that construction is now complete, and test production runs were conducted in August 2026 ahead of commissioning. He said that the plant, which was initially scheduled for commissioning in May 2026, experienced delays due to disruptions in the procurement and shipping of equipment amid tensions in the Middle East, according to The Herald Zimbabwe.

Romania: Holcim is preparing to invest more than €3.5m at its Valea Pravăț plant in Argeș county, as part of a project that aims to incorporate construction and demolition waste into the cement manufacturing process. The investment will go towards an installation designed to store, dose and transport crushed concrete from demolition works. 

The investment is expected to be carried out between September 2026 and April 2027 and is part of the plant’s ongoing modernisation and efficiency improvements.