World’s First Zero-Emission Lime Plant to Be Built by SMA Mineral

SMA Mineral has decided to build a new pilot plant in Mo i Rana, Norway, the world’s first of its kind to produce quicklime entirely without carbon dioxide emissions. An agreement has been signed with the German industry supplier thyssenkrupp Polysius, which will supply the kiln facility. The kiln technology, based on the ZEQL-concept (Zero Emission Quicklime), has been developed by SaltX Technology.

– This is a historic decision for SMA Mineral, for the lime industry, and for the climate transition. With the ZEQL concept, we are now moving from research and testing to full-scale pilot and production. Someone has to lead the way — and we’ve decided it will be us, says Svante Fielding, CEO of SMA Mineral.

The investment marks a decisive step in the transition to fossil-free production of quicklime.

– Cutting emissions in the industry is crucial for Norway to succeed in the transition and ensure future competitiveness. Therefore, I am proud that the Labour Party government, through Enova support, is contributing to the construction of the world´s first zero-emission lime plant in Mo i Rana. This pilot project is important for reducing emissions, but also for building a strong competence environment and future industrial jobs in Northern Norway, says the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Mr. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.

Nordic Innovation

Behind the kiln technology is the Swedish innovation company SaltX Technology, which has developed a solution to electrify the traditionally fossil-fueled lime calcination process. Since 2023, the technology has been tested at a pilot plant in Hofors, Sweden. The next step is now being taken – scaling up the technology to an industrial level in Norway. The pilot plant is planned to be completed in 2027 and will produce 40.000 tons of ZEQL quicklime per year.

Earlier this year, SMA Mineral was granted NOK 287 million in support from the Norwegian government’s state enterprise Enova to develop and realize the project.

German key role in the project

SMA Mineral has signed an agreement with the German company thyssenkrupp Polysius as supplier of the kiln, a leading provider of technologies and plants for the cement and lime industry worldwide. thyssenkrupp Polysius is also a technology partner to SaltX Technology and plays a crucial role in adapting ZEQL concept for industrial-scale application. The company has extensive experience in building advanced facilities for the cement and lime industries – expertise that is essential to the success of the project.

SMA Mineral, a driving force in the transition 

SMA Mineral is one of the largest lime producers in the Nordics, with operations in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. For over 30 years, the company has supplied lime to industries such as steel, construction, and paper, as well as to water treatment and agriculture.

Lime is a critical raw material for society, but traditional lime and cement production accounts for as much as eight percent of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of the ZEQL-concept could therefore be crucial in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

– We are proud to take this step. With ZEQL, we are taking a historic leap for industry, the climate, and future generations, says Svante Fielding.

Categorised in: Frontpage, Industripark News