Ireland: Mannok’s cement plant at Ballyconnell shut down for scheduled maintenance at the beginning of 2026, and a new kiln hood was installed. The original kiln cooler Fixed Inlet Grate was installed in 2000, and had become ‘deformed’, resulting in significant ingress of false air. It was replaced by an ABC cooler inlet and outlet seal. Mannok said that the upgrades were already delivering measurable gains in energy efficiency and enabling increased fuel-switching capability. Mannok appointed Fuller as engineering, procurement and construction contractor, which supplied the kiln hood, cooler inlet and outlet seal, while G Leonard carried out the refractory works. The thermal substitution rate has reportedly increased significantly and the cooler inlet has eliminated the formation of ‘snowmen’ – the solidified build-up of molten clinker in the grate, reducing downtime and improving production reliability.

Paul Carron, decarbonisation engineering manager at Mannok, said “Projects like this are central to our strategy as we continue to decarbonise our cement operations. The successful installation of the new kiln hood and ABC cooler components is already delivering tangible efficiency gains and enabling greater use of alternative fuels. From initial planning through to execution, the project ran very smoothly, which is a testament to the collaboration between our in-house teams and trusted partners. This is another important step forward as we remain fully committed to achieving our decarbonisation goals under the Mannok 2030 Vision.”

Jordan: Technology group Wärtsilä will carry out a fuel conversion project on a Wärtsilä engine-based captive power plant serving Qatrana Cement Company's (QCC) cement plant in Karak, reducing emissions and operating costs. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in the first quarter of 2026. The upgrade will also enable the engines to operate on sustainable fuels as and when they become available.

QCC CEO Amer Khatib said "This fuel conversion upgrade will reduce our operating costs and emissions, while relying on proven Wärtsilä technology. Our strong and long-standing partnership with Wärtsilä since 2008 provides a solid basis for delivering the project safely and professionally without disrupting cement production. This project forms part of QCC's broader strategy to increase energy efficiency and sustainability."

Pakistan: Pioneer Cement has approved the development of a 28.3MW solar power plant at its manufacturing facility in Chenki, Jauharabad, Punjab. The project will be financed entirely through the company's internal cash reserves, and aims to commence commercial operations by the end of 2026. The solar power plant is expected to reduce the company’s dependency on the national grid, which constitutes approximately 20% of the company's power mix. The total capital expenditure for the solar project is anticipated to be around US$9m.

UK: Holcim UK’s flagship Tilbury Cement Works has commenced import and distribution operations, according to a press release. Holcim said that the first deep-sea vessel had discharged material into the site, signalling the transition from construction to active operations and forming part of the site’s ‘wet commissioning’ programme. The new cement works combines deep-water marine access with large-scale storage, automated logistics and a modular grinding and blending system that will come online later in 2026. It will operate 24/7 and includes a new ship-to-shore conveyor system, enclosed belt conveyors and the UK’s first 30,000t cement dome silo.

Material is transferred directly from vessel to storage, before being processed and despatched through six loading heads and five weighbridges. The next milestone will be the completion and commissioning of the site’s vertical roller mill later in 2026, which will grind granulated blast furnace slag and recycled concrete fines to produce ground granulated blast furnace slag and blended cements. Full product lines will come online in early 2027. Holcim UK said that the development strengthened its network and ensured processing capacity in one of the UK’s highest demand regions.

Tim Fry, project manager at Holcim UK, said “Initiating import and distribution of cementitious materials is a major step forward for Tilbury Cement Works and for Holcim’s ability to serve customers across the South East. This phase demonstrates the strength of the systems we’ve built, from marine logistics to storage and despatch, and reflects the hard work of everyone involved in bringing this facility to life. As construction concludes in 2026 and we move into full operations, Tilbury will provide the flexibility, reliability and capacity to support our customers with a range of conventional, low carbon and circular cementitious materials.”