Cemonite has established Norway's first pilot plant for sustainable cement in Sandnes. There they are now developing the environmentally friendly building material of the future.

As the first company in Norway — and possibly in the world — Cemonite has opened a cement factory that produces cement from waste materials from mining and industry.

“The cement industry accounts for eight percent of all man-made CO2, which is a huge problem for the world,” says Espen Lea, CEO of Cemonite.

Cemonite was established as a spin-off from the research community at the University of Stavanger in 2019. There, for several years, they have been researching the use of so-called geopolymer cement.

Geopolymer cement consists of ordinary rock from mining waste rather than limestone. Geopolymer cement has several advantages, including lower CO₂ emissions, higher heat resistance, better resistance to chemicals, and can help reduce the amount of waste from mining and industry.

“The factory is initially a pilot plant where we will demonstrate new technology and document results,” Lea continues.

Strengthens the professional environment around concrete

Cemonite has joined forces with Velde AS, Rogaland's largest supplier of crushed asphalt and concrete, to pilot the project.

“Velde's role is to rent out a factory premises, area and equipment to Cemonite. In the long term, we hope to use some of the cement in our own production,” says Kjartan Eggebø, General Manager of “Pukk og Miljø” at Velde AS.

He sees the benefits of companies taking advantage of each other.

“Professionally, Cemonite has gained a lot of skilled people, which strengthens the professional environment around concrete. This helps to create a strong professional cluster,” Eggebø continues.

Espen Lea of Cemonite says that Velde AS was their first choice for the project because of their shared understanding of emission reduction and the possibility of synergy effects.

Larger network with VIA membership

Cemonite is also a member of VIA as both actors work for green transition. This is what Lea believes is absolutely crucial in the work of networking.

“Membership in VIA means we get a larger network, more partners and economies of scale across the industry. By participating in VIA's projects on sustainable road construction, we get to pilot our technology. Contributing to and showcasing technology that reduces CO₂ is very important,” says Lea.

Among other major investors, Cemonite has joined Eqinor, Awilco, GC Rieber and Validei on the team. Enova, the Research Council and Innovation Norway entered with financial support in 2022.

Read also about how The innovation arena opened the doors for cooperation between Vinje Industri and BD Geosyntia.

Technology with international potential

The plant receives the mine waste from Titania's mine in Sokndal, in southern Rogaland.

“Currently, we are now operating with a scaled-down cement factory. In the next phase, when we are talking full-scale production, the factory should be located closer to Sokndal. This is to reduce transport costs and greenhouse gas emissions, Lea states.

He envisions the technology having enormous potential for scale-up, both regionally, nationally and internationally.

“Our ambition is to replace the traditional cement. In a current phase, we are looking at what I would call low-hanging fruit, i.e. concrete products that have low requirements. Examples of this are concrete slabs, paving stones and roof tiles,” says Lea.

First of all, it is about getting results. The next step in the strategy is to develop the product for general use.

“In 2025, we will develop so-called “not load-bearing, but reinforced products” such as floors on foundations, outer layer walls or cable ducts. The ultimate goal is to open full-scale facilities in 2026, hopefully close to Titania,” Lea concludes.

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