The plant is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will utilize SaltX's innovative electric calcination technology.
In a landmark collaboration that could redefine the global lime industry, thyssenkrupp Polysius, a leader in cement and lime technology, has been chosen to supply the kiln system for a groundbreaking new plant in Norway. This facility, developed by SMA Mineral in partnership with Swedish innovation company SaltX Technology, will be the first of its kind to produce Zero-Emission Quicklime (ZEQL). The project, backed by a EUR 24 million (NOK 287 million) grant from the Norwegian state enterprise Enova, represents a significant leap forward in the quest to decarbonize heavy industrial processes.
The facility's core is the innovative ZEQL concept, which replaces the fossil-fueled calcination process with clean, renewable electricity. This is a critical departure from traditional methods, where the heating of limestone to produce quicklime is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. thyssenkrupp Polysius will leverage its extensive engineering expertise to scale this technology to an industrial level, providing the essential kiln system that makes the process possible.
The pilot plant is slated for completion in 2027 and will have an annual production capacity of 40,000 tons of ZEQL quicklime. This initial facility is designed as a blueprint for future expansion, with SMA Mineral planning to eventually establish additional production lines if the technology proves successful.
The project is the culmination of a close partnership between SaltX Technology and thyssenkrupp Polysius, which was formalized with a Letter of Intent in February 2025. This collaboration brings together SaltX's patented Electric Arc Calciner (EAC) technology and thyssenkrupp Polysius's deep experience in building and operating large-scale industrial plants. The result is a solution that not only eliminates CO2 from the combustion process but also creates a pure stream of carbon dioxide from the limestone itself. This captured CO2 can then be reused in other applications, such as the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in collaboration with partners like Infinium, a move that further emphasizes a circular economy model.
SMA Mineral, one of the largest lime producers in the Nordic region, is leading the investment in the pilot plant, positioning itself as a pioneer in the green transition. The company, which has over 90 years of experience, supplies essential lime products to vital industries like steel, construction, and agriculture. By investing in this zero-emission technology, SMA Mineral is taking a bold step to reduce the carbon footprint of an indispensable raw material and setting a new standard for sustainability in the industry.
