Expanding the Range of Clinker Substitutes. Designing a Sustainable Future for Cement Sector
The ERACLITUS project, led by CEMENTOS LA CRUZ, pioneers sustainable cement production by introducing two new Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs).
These materials align with four fundamental pillars: achieving a zero CO2 footprint, leveraging traditional SCM benefits, employing sustainable technologies, and emphasizing the strategic importance of new, low-carbon SCMs.
The project aims to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint up to 55%, with the innovative materials enabling the production of new cements containing just 20% clinker.
This groundbreaking approach is projected to avoid up to 413,396 tCO2e, positioning CEMENTOS LA CRUZ as an international benchmark in sustainable cement production.
The innovation in both new products extends beyond the state of the art by transforming cement production.
The SCMs represent a paradigm shift, utilizing a unique blend of technological operations in SCM production.
This approach goes beyond traditional methods and contributes to the circular economy by incorporating industrial, mining, and agroforestry waste as raw materials. Biomass as the sole fuel in the production process further aligns with sustainability goals.
The disruptive technology not only focuses on emissions reduction but also aims to influence European cement regulations to embrace eco-friendly cement types.
The absolute GHG emissions avoidance of 413.396 tCO2e positions the project’s impact in clear perspective, emphasizing the transformative potential of the new products in the global cement industry.
The ERACLITUS project contributes significantly to key policy areas by championing a zero CO2 footprint in cement manufacturing. Its strategic emphasis on sustainable technologies aligns with broader European sustainability goals. Beyond emissions reduction, the project seeks to influence European cement regulations, fostering a regulatory environment conducive to disruptive and eco-friendly cement production.
The implementation of the new materials not only revolutionizes cement production but also has a positive impact on the local and regional economy. Job creation, business clusters, and value chains are expected to flourish. The scalable nature of the technology indicates potential efficiency gains and cost reductions, contributing to the resilience of the EU economy.
The technology’s licensable design across Europe emphasizes the project’s commitment to widespread adoption and amplification of its positive impact, both environmentally and economically.
COORDINATOR
CEMENTOS LA CRUZ
LOCATION
Abanilla, Spain
CATEGORY
Energy Intensive Industries (EEI)
SECTOR
Cement & Lime
AMOUNT OF INNOVATION FUND GRANT
EUR 4,500,000
EXPECTED GHG EMISSIONS AVOIDANCE
413,396 tonnes CO2 equivalent
STARTING DATE
01/07/2024
ENTRY INTO OPERATION DATE
30/06/2026
FINANCIAL CLOSE DATE
30/06/2025
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them
