France FLSmidth will provide equipment to replace clinker with ecologically friendly clay, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 16 percent when compared to present cement products.

The new FLSmidth flash calciner technology, environmental control system, and alternate fuel storage are all part of the order. The project’s final commissioning date is set for the end of 2023.

Reducing carbon emissions from cement production

FLSmidth will significantly reduce carbon emissions at Vicat’s French cement production with what is expected to be Europe’s first full-scale clay calcination facility. The flash calciner will be installed at Vicat’s Xeuilley plant, with a requested capacity of 400 tpd (up to 525 tpd per design). The project also includes the facilities required for the firing and handling of alternative fuels. This reduces the requirement for traditional fuels, implying that the corporation can expect a financial and environmental return on investment from decreased CO2 emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and a lower clinker ratio.

The use of calcined clay to replace traditional, resource-intensive clinker is a key technology in eliminating the massive environmental footprint from traditional cement production, which today accounts for 7-8% of the worldā€™s CO2 emissions and about 2% in France. In addition to the clay calciner and alternative fuels handling facilities, the order includes dryer crusher, calcination tower and gas emissions abatement equipment.

The order value is above DKK200 million and has become effective in Q2 2021.