Low-Carbon Concrete Innovation Arrives in Saudi Arabia
The UK’s Next Generation SCM has partnered with Nizak Mining Co. to introduce Saudi Arabia’s first low-carbon concrete solution. This joint venture will produce sustainable supplementary cementitious materials using advanced technology that dramatically reduces energy consumption and emissions.
The innovative process operates at lower temperatures and requires only a sixth of the fuel needed for traditional cement production. In Denmark, this technology already produces calcined clay with just 8 kg of CO2 per ton, a significant reduction compared to the 600 kg average.
Riyadh will host the first factory, aiming to start production by late 2025. The initial output is projected at 350,000 tonnes, doubling in the second year. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance sustainable infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually.
Producing SCM locally is crucial as traditional alternatives like fly ash and slag are unavailable in Saudi Arabia. The joint venture offers a strategic advantage for local and regional markets by cutting concrete emissions by up to 58%.
Christian Husum, CEO of Next Generation SCM, highlighted the global impact: This massive building project is equivalent to adding a New York City every month. Without sustainable solutions, our planet cannot sustain such concrete production.
The venture aims to revolutionize construction practices in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
The initiative will introduce CemTower technology to the Gulf Cooperation Council market, expanding the region’s capacity for sustainable concrete production. Majed Al-Osailan of City Cement emphasized the venture’s role in transforming Saudi Arabia into a global materials hub, enhancing job creation and regional export opportunities.
