CBI Ghana Ltd announce the Supacem LC3-45, an innovative limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) that sets a new global standard for eco-friendly and high-quality construction. The launch is a major step in CBI Ghana's strategy to cement a greener future and vindicates their audacity in pursuing a competitive advantage using pioneering technology.
The global cement industry accounts for a staggering 8% of global CO2 emissions. In Ghana, this challenge is exacerbated by a heavy reliance on imported clinker, the key raw material, which creates cost and supply chain vulnerabilities for manufacturers. As a developing economy, Ghana’s cement consumption is expected to double in the next 15 years, presenting an opportunity to pivot towards sustainable, locally-sourced solutions. CBI Ghana's launch of Supacem LC3-45 is a direct response to these challenges and opportunities, offering an innovative, high-quality, and eco-friendly cement that reduces emissions and leverages Ghana's abundant local resources.
CBI Ghana’s mission
To drive innovation in the cement industry by pioneering LC3 technology at scale, efficiently reducing CO2 emissions and leading the way towards a greener and more sustainable future for construction in Ghana and beyond.
CBI Ghana’s history
CBI Ghana Ltd., started as a family-owned business located in Tema, Ghana. In 2019, the business launched a 600 000 t cement grinding station that exceeded capacity in 2021. At this point,CBI Ghana recognised the need for a strategic shift to become more competitive and environmentally conscious, in line with global sustainability trends. This led to a bold decision to build the world's largest calcined clay plant, pursuing a competitive advantage through technology implemented at scale. Partnering with investors and Heidelberg Materials, CBI Ghana invested US$100 million in this project, on top of the initial US$45 million investment, to lead the transition to lower-emission cement production. CBI Ghana has increased its workforce to create 307 direct jobs.
Flagship products
Supacem LC3-45: Supacem LC3-45 is CBI Ghana's first 32.5N-grade product in the LC3 space, leveraging LC3 technology to offer a sustainable and high-performance alternative to their OPC alternative.
Supacem LC3-60: CBI Ghana also produces Supacem 42.5R cement grade, which will transition to an LC3-60 42.5-grade product in Q2 2025.
Key benefits
Reduced environmental impact: CBI Ghana is pioneering low-emission cement production, aiming to be the first to mass-produce LC3 with under 400 kg CO2/t by 2026 through Supacem LC3-45. Moreover, as the first to mass-supply calcined clay to a third party (Ghacem, a Heidelberg Materials subsidiary), CBI Ghana is actively enabling the decarbonisation of Ghana's cement industry. This dual approach – lower emissions in their own products and supplying to others – is projected to avoid 380 000 tpy of CO2 , significantly outperforming the GCCA's GNR benchmark of 654 kg CO2/t.
Pioneering technology resulting in clinker reduction: Supacem LC3-45 is the world's first LC3 cement to utilise less than 50% clinker in its formulation, containing only 45%. LC3 technology reduces the reliance on clinker, the most CO2-intensive component of cement, compared to traditional cement which typically requires over 60%. CBI Ghana, alongside industry leaders like Heidelberg Materials’ Ghanaian subsidiary, Ghacem who are also exploring LC3, is at the forefront of implementing this clinker-reducing technology at scale.
World's largest flash calciner: central to CBI Ghana's LC3 production is the world's largest flash calciner, capable of producing 1200 tpd of calcined clay. This state-of-the-art plant in Tema, Ghana, guarantees the mass production of high-quality calcined clay needed for sustainable cement, allowing CBI Ghana to produce more calcined clay than needed for their own operations, and push the cement industry to change by supplying other manufacturers.
Exceptional quality and durability: Supacem LC3-45 offers superior quality to traditional cement of the same grade. Rigorous testing shows superior compressive strengths at various stages. LC3 also provides additional advantages for the Ghanaian market, such as increased resistance to chloride and sulphate attacks, which is particularly beneficial for buildings in coastal environments or those susceptible to dampness, contributing to longer-lasting structures. CBI's world-class cement laboratory and extensive clay investigations highlight its commitment to quality cement products.
Key partnerships
The success of CBI Ghana's LC3 project has been built upon strong collaborative relationships with key partners across various sectors:
- Investment partners: Norfund, IFU, and FLSmidth provided important financial backing and are new equity partners, while EIFO and Société Générale provided an export credit facility.
- Technology and industry partners: FLSmidth contributed to the technological aspects, while Heidelberg Materials served as a strategic alliance partner to work with regulators.
- Research, academia, and regulatory bodies: collaborative research and knowledge transfer partnerships with EPFL in Switzerland and KNUST in Ghana have been vital. The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has played a key role in bringing policy and research institutions along and adopted the world's latest LC3 standard, GS PAS 5:2024, in May 2024. Collaborations also extended to the University of Ghana (UG) and the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI). These partnerships, involving science, policymakers, and industry, have been crucial in navigating regulatory challenges and driving innovation.
“The launch of Supacem LC3-45 is a massive achievement for CBI Ghana and a leap forward for sustainable construction globally,” said Frédéric Albrecht, CEO of CBI Ghana. “We are very proud to introduce a product that drastically lowers CO2 emissions and delivers the highest standards of quality and durability. This achievement, powered by the world's largest calcined clay plant and the support of our invaluable partners, demonstrates our strong commitment to a greener future for Ghana and the world. By using abundant local raw materials and creating skilled jobs, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future.”
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