The Swedish Energy Agency has granted SaltX Technology funding for the project "Demonstration of new electric kiln technology at industrial scale to enable emission-free cement production."
SaltX has previously received grants from the agency to conduct material tests and optimize the electric production of quicklime at its test and research facility (ECRC) in Hofors, Sweden. Now, a new grant has been awarded to the company to carry out the necessary adaptations and tests to apply the technology for cement production, an industry estimated to contribute about 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
SaltX's electrification technology has attracted significant interest from the cement and construction industries. Lina Jorheden, Acting CEO of SaltX, commented:
"It is very encouraging that the Swedish Energy Agency supports us in our work to commercialize SaltX's electrification technology for the cement industry. The grant is an important component in the upcoming industrialization phase."
The Swedish Energy Agency's motivation:
"The Swedish Energy Agency believes that the project can contribute to the energy transition and climate goals by electrifying the calcination process in the cement industry, which currently relies on fossil fuels. Electrification could lead to significant emission reductions, both in Sweden and internationally. Furthermore, the project is assessed to have good market potential and demonstrated value through its established partnerships and potential for export revenue."
The grant is awarded under the pilot and demonstration program. It will primarily be used to validate and evaluate SaltX's electrification technology to produce fossil fuel- and carbon dioxide-free cement. The grant constitutes partial funding for the work that is planned to begin in March 2025 at the company's test and research facility, ECRC, in Hofors, Sweden.