Global Cement News

Spain: The Spanish cement manufacturers' association, Oficemen, and Siemens Energy have signed a two-year collaboration agreement to develop decarbonisation techniques and solutions for Spain's cement industry. The agreement was signed by Siemens Energy's Industrial Sales Director for Southwest Europe, Angel Cillerruelo, and Oficemen's General Director, Aniceto Zaragoza.

Zaragoza said "The Spanish cement industry's commitment to climate neutrality by 2050, outlined in our roadmap, includes exploring the most effective levers for emission reduction, such as the decarbonisation of energy sources or the comprehensive energy management of industrial processes."

Kenya: Cemtech, a subsidiary of Devki Group, has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment report to the National Environment Management Authority for a new clinker plant in Kitui County. The company aims to receive approval from the Kenyan government to establish the plant, according to the Business Daily newspaper. The company says that the plant will boost local cement production and increase employment opportunities.

Germany: Heidelberg Materials has reported its 2024 quarterly financial report for January – March 2024. Revenue for this period was €4.48bn, representing a year-on-year decrease of 8.1% from €4.89bn. Result from current operations before depreciation and amortisation was €542m, a year-on-year decrease of 2.6% from €557m. Poor weather conditions in key regions and a reduced number of working days in the first quarter of 2024 contributed to declining sales volumes, according to the company.

Dr Dominik von Achten, Chair of the Managing Board of Heidelberg Materials, said "Despite declining revenues compared to a strong prior-year quarter, we have further increased our profitability. This was in particular due to the very good start to the year in North America and strict cost management. The good start allows us to look forward confidently to the rest of the year.”

India: Birla Corporation recorded a significant increase in its consolidated net profit, rising by 127% to US$23m for the quarter ending March 2024. The company reported a consolidated revenue of US$321m, up 6.8% year-on-year. This was reportedly due to reduced power and fuel costs.

Chair Harsh Vardhan Lodha said "As cement consumption in India continues to grow, Birla Corporation is rolling out its next phase of capacity expansion to increase cement production to 25Mt/yr by 2026-27."

Global: The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has announced new collaborations between global cement manufacturers and technology start-ups, focusing on the development of low carbon concrete. Four start-ups—EnviCore in Canada, Queens Carbon and Chement, both in the US and NeoCrete in New Zealand—were part of the 2023 GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge and have now partnered with cement manufacturers. These partnerships aim to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

The startups will receive access to industry plants, labs and networks to fast-track their technologies. They will also demonstrate their progress on 6th June 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, during the GCCA's CEO and Leaders Conference. The association continues its efforts under the 2050 Net Zero Concrete Roadmap, with 29 new start-ups shortlisted this year to work on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology.