News

Cemex in Spain has received a €200m grant under the PERTE Industrial Decarbonisation Program for its SOMZERO CCS project at the Alcanar plant in Tarragona.

The catch4climate research project has officially inaugurated the world's first research and development facility using the Pure Oxyfuel process for CO₂ capture from cement production. The project, developed by Buzzi/Dyckerhoff, Heidelberg Materials, SCHWENK Zement, and Vicat, marks a major step towards decarbonizing the cement industry.

The Mineral Products Association of Great Britain (MPA) called on the government to give priority to British construction materials in the implementation of major public projects. The statement was made at a parliamentary reception on 30 June, where representatives of the cement industry, MPs, members of the House of Lords, ministers and officials discussed the role of cement in supporting the country’s construction plans.

SaltX Technology, Holcim and Paebbl are implementing a demonstration project for electrified cement production and the utilization of captured CO₂ across the industrial value chain. The project has received funding through the CET Partnership, an EU programme supporting energy and climate technologies.

Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism has approved EUR 518 million in subsidies for 17 new projects under the first track of the Industrial Decarbonization PERTE, a government programme supporting projects to reduce industrial emissions. The measures are being implemented under the 2026 Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.

Holcim has completed the acquisition of Xella, the German leader in the walling market with projected 2026 net sales of EUR 1 billion. The transaction process began in October 2025. 

Portuguese investment group Semapa has more than EUR 1 billion available for new investments and is exploring acquisition opportunities in the European market. This was reported by Bloomberg, citing an interview with the company’s CEO, Ricardo Pires.