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Switzerland: ABB and Captimise have enhanced their collaboration, focusing on advancing cost-effective carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies in the cement industry. Under a new Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership will develop various studies, including screening, feasibility, and FEED, aiding cement producers to identify efficient carbon capture solutions across their operations. The joint effort is expected to bolster the cement industry's efforts to meet its climate and net-zero targets.
CEO of Captimise, Mattias Jones, said “We draw on a track-record of more than 25 live case studies with CO₂ emitters across Europe and the US and know we’ll be able to support operations of all sizes in cement through combined CCUS, automation and electrification technologies.”
Global Business Unit Manager at ABB Process Industries, Max Tschurtschenthaler, said “Reducing the CO₂ emissions from cement manufacturing is a major challenge and a top priority for this industry. We are on a mission to make it more cost-effective. By combining our world-class automation, electrification and digital technologies with the know-how of partners like Captimise, we can further support the cement industry in achieving their climate and net zero targets.”
Cemsuisse urges CBAM adjustment for cement industry 25 March 2024
Switzerland: The decision of the Swiss government in June 2023 against the implementation of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been strongly criticised by the Swiss cement association, Cemsuisse. The association warns of a potential relocation of the Swiss cement industry without such a mechanism, referencing a report by Polynomics. This report concludes that a Swiss CBAM is necessary to level the playing field with EU and non-EU cement suppliers. The EU initiated a CBAM test phase in October 2023, aiming to mitigate production relocation risks to countries with less stringent environmental regulations.
The federal government concluded that a CBAM in Switzerland would benefit few emission-intensive industries at the expense of the wider economy, while also facing regulatory and trade policy risks. It plans to reassess the need for a CBAM in mid-2026, in line with the EU's interim CBAM report.
Cemsuisse, referencing the Polynomics report, states that waiting to potentially introduce a CBAM in Switzerland is not an option. Investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) are deemed essential for Switzerland's net-zero climate goal and without a CBAM, there is a risk of these investments being unviable due to uncertainty over cost recovery.
The report also points to the risk of increased clinker imports from third countries into the EU, which would be processed and then exported to Switzerland without CBAM levies. As an example, Cemsuisse mentions a planned milling station in Ottmarsheim, Alsace. It says that without a CBAM, the production site in Switzerland faces serious threats.
Cemsuisse said “Without CBAM, this certainty is lacking. And without CCUS, long-term production in Switzerland won't be viable. The population has accepted the climate protection law last summer, where the net-zero goal is legally anchored."
Hama cement plant resumes operations after maintenance 25 March 2024
Syria: The General Company for Cement and Building Materials has successfully restored Plant No. 3 in Hama province to operation, following comprehensive maintenance of its machinery and equipment. The maintenance, which began last January, was completed by the company’s engineering and technical teams.
General Manager Engineer Issam Al-Abdullah noted that the company is focused on developing its production processes to meet local cement demands. Upcoming maintenance work on Plant No. 2 is planned to enhance its production capacity to around 1000t/day.
Heidelberg Materials extends Dominik von Achten's term as chair
Written by Global Cement staff
22 March 2024
Germany: The Supervisory Board of Heidelberg Materials has extended the mandate of Dr Dominik von Achten as chair of the Managing Board for an additional three years, until 31 January 2028. Dr von Achten has been leading the company since February 2020 and according to Heidelberg Materials, he has been instrumental in its global growth and the digitalisation and decarbonisation of the building materials industry, complemented by strong financial performance.
Dr Bernd Scheifele, chair of the Supervisory Board said “With Dr von Achten, we have an experienced manager at the helm of the company who has excellently positioned Heidelberg Materials on a global scale and set the course for the future with great commitment.” He continued "We look forward to continuing the trustful work with him. We are convinced that he will keep driving the transformation into a sustainable and digital future with verve and continue to successfully lead the company in the coming years.”
Dr von Achten has been part of Heidelberg Materials' Managing Board since 2007, serving as deputy chair since 2015 and as chair since 2020.
Shree Cement launches Bangur Concrete with new RMC plant 22 March 2024
India: Shree Cement has launched Bangur Concrete, inaugurating its first Greenfield Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant in Hyderabad. The new plant has a production capacity of 90m3/hr.
Earlier in March, Shree Cement acquired five operational plants from StarCrete in Mumbai, raising its combined RMC capacity to 512m3/hr. This move marks a significant step in the company's diversification and growth in the concrete segment.