Loesche to Supply Slag Grinding Plant for Ferro Duo SCM Project in Germany

Why It Matters

The plant enables large‑scale clinker reduction by increasing slag use, accelerating Europe’s shift toward greener cement and construction material supply chains.

Key Takeaways

• Loesche will deliver a vertical roller mill with dynamic classifier
• Plant uses electric heater, eliminating fossil‑fuel hot gas generator
• Project targets several hundred thousand tonnes annual SCM capacity by 2027
• Supports EU clinker reduction and lower‑CO₂ construction material production

Pulse Analysis

Europe’s cement industry is under pressure to cut carbon emissions, and slag‑based supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) have emerged as a key solution. By grinding blast‑furnace slag into a fine, reactive powder, manufacturers can replace a significant portion of clinker, the most carbon‑intensive component of cement. Loesche’s expertise in vertical roller milling, combined with its LSKS dynamic classifier, delivers the high‑quality, consistent product needed for modern concrete formulations while maintaining energy efficiency.

The Duisburg plant marks a technical milestone because it replaces a traditional fossil‑fuel‑fired hot‑gas generator with an electric heater, aligning the grinding process with renewable electricity sources. Loesche’s role as EPC management partner means it will oversee everything from tendering to installation, ensuring seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and structural systems. Scheduled for commissioning in mid‑2027, the facility will initially support a capacity of several hundred thousand tonnes of SCMs per year, positioning Ferro Duo to meet growing demand for low‑carbon construction inputs.

Strategically, the project strengthens Europe’s supply chain resilience by diversifying raw material sources and reducing reliance on clinker. It also showcases a scalable model that other regions can replicate to meet tightening EU climate regulations. As construction firms increasingly prioritize sustainability, the availability of cost‑effective, high‑performance SCMs will become a competitive differentiator, potentially reshaping market dynamics and driving further investment in green cement technologies.