Ecocem has announced the construction of its first production facility for ACT, its low-carbon, globally scalable cement technology. The new production site, located in Dunkirk, France, will be operational by 2026 and will provide a production capacity of 0.3Mta initially, said the company.
The expansion to the Dunkirk site will increase the plant’s production capacity to over 1Mta and strengthen the company’s position in northern France, the Paris area and export regions.
The project is a joint venture between Ecocem in France and Group CB subsidiary CB Green. However, the support of the French authorities was invaluable in funding the expansion and represents Ecocem’s first public funding since the company was founded in 2000, says the company. The total investment for this plant expansion is EUR50m (US$52.2m), funded through a bank loan classified as a “Green Loan” by the EthiFinance agency and supported by both the French government and local authorities. In addition, “Première Usine” (first factory) Call for Projects led by France 2030 has awarded a EUR3.6m grant. The France 2030 programme aims to sustainably transform key economic sectors through technological innovation and position France as a global leader in tomorrow’s economy. This funding is complemented by grants from the Hauts-de-France Region and the Dunkirk Urban Community.
Commenting on this significant step forward, Donal O’Riain, founder and MD of Ecocem Group, said: “The industrialisation of our ACT technology marks a historic turning point for the cement industry. Cement manufacturing processes have remained unchanged for 200 years; ACT represents a true technological breakthrough and an opportunity to rapidly decarbonise what is one of the world’s most polluting industries – responsible for almost eight per cent of global emissions - without compromising quality and performance, or significantly increasing costs.
“The support of public authorities, particularly through France 2030, validates our vision and innovative capability. This is a major recognition for Ecocem and our ACT technology, which has received its first public funding since the company was established in 2000.”
The first half of 2025 will see the installation of the mill as well as the expansion of the ACT blending and storage facilities. The company expects to start delivery of ACT to the market in the second half of 2026.
