MECACLAY: Green Cement Production through Mechano-Chemical Activation of Clay
AB “Akmenės cementas” has launched the implementation of an innovative European Union–funded project “MECACLAY: Green Cement Production through Mechano-Chemical Activation of Clay” aimed at fundamentally transforming cement manufacturing into a low carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission process. This is one of the first solutions of this scale in Europe dedicated to the decarbonisation of the cement industry.
The objective of MECACLAY is to reduce CO₂ emissions in cement production by replacing a portion of traditional clinker with an innovative, less polluting raw material.
The project enables:
The project implements a mechano-chemical clay activation technology (MECACLAY):
The newly introduced technology will reduce energy consumption, lower CO₂ emissions, and allow the use of a wider range of local raw materials. Construction is planned to start in 2028, with production operations expected to begin in 2030.
The project will deliver a significant environmental impact: up to 51.3% lower CO₂ emissions, i.e. more than 1.9 million tonnes of CO₂ saved over 10 years.
The total project investment amounts to approximately EUR 100 million, with up to EUR 29.58 million in funding from the EU Innovation Fund.
MECACLAY represents an important step towards a climate-neutral cement industry, low-carbon construction materials, and the sustainable transformation of industry in Europe.
More information: https://ec.europa.eu/assets/cinea/project_fiches/innovation_fund/101250933.pdf
Daiva Tušienė
Sustainability and Project coordinator
Phone: +370 425 58352, E-mail: daiva.tusiene@cementas.lt
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).
