Heidelberg Materials will cease clinker production at its Hanover cement plant in the latter half of 2024. Instead, the company will focus on manufacturing the final product, cement, and maintain the site as a grinding facility.

This adjustment follows a decrease in cement sales due to sluggish construction demand in Germany amid the current economic climate. The company is realigning its cement portfolio to focus on low-carbon products, resulting in the production of cement with reduced clinker content.

In response to this change, Heidelberg Materials will enhance the operational capacity of its neighbouring Westphalian cement plants, which will supply cement clinker to Hanover going forward. Despite this shift, Hanover's advantageous geographical position makes it an appealing location for ensuring cement supply in the region.

Of the 120 employees currently employed at the cement plant, a portion will be retained at the grinding facility. Efforts are underway, in close collaboration with the workers' council, to find socially acceptable solutions, such as transfers to other divisions or sites within the company. Early retirement programmes will also be offered where feasible, considering the age distribution of the workforce.

The LEILAC 2 research project (Low Emissions Intensity Lime And Cement), subsidised by the European Union and planned in partnership with other companies for implementation by the end of 2025, will be relocated to another Heidelberg Materials site.

This demonstration facility aims to illustrate that the patented LEILAC technology can capture CO₂ emitted during cement production in a highly pure form through a separate waste gas stream, which can then be used in other processes.

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Source: Heidelberg Materials