TEEC: Trace elements in Electrified Cement production

Purpose and goal

The TEEC project deals with the production of cement clinker using electrification to eliminate fossil fuels and direct CO₂ emissions; electrification enables efficient CO₂ capture. The project aims to generate new knowledge about trace element behavior during firing and to develop models showing how electrification affects clinker phase reactivity in cement and the leaching of trace elements in concrete. The purpose is to support Heidelberg Materials in its transition to electrified production.

Expected effects and result

The results will support the upscaling of electrified clinker production at Heidelberg Materials. They will predict the reactions of trace elements in an atmosphere with high CO₂ content. The impact of new technology on key properties such as burnability, clinker reactivity, and leaching will be described. Electrification will simplify CO₂ capture and reduce direct CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels. The project is in line with the goals of Agenda 2030 and contributes to low-carbon cement products.

Planned approach and implementation

The plan is to use advanced methods to do process analyses and mass balances, that will lead to new knowledge about trace elements in materials produced in electrified laboratory, pilot, and conventional industrial kilns with varying environments. This will measure the effect of varying energy sources on crystal structures, reactivity and leaching. Equilibrium models of the electrified process will be built and verified with materials produced in varying laboratory and pilot environments.