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The Swiss cement group Holcim invests over €500 million to produce low-carbon cement in Wallonia

An ultra-modern plant in Obourg (Mons) will produce more than 2 million tonnes of carbon-neutral cement per year by 2029. The Go4Zero project is supported by the European Union under the European Green Deal.

Swiss cement group Holcim has chosen Wallonia to build its new state-of-the-art plant in Obourg (Mons). The project, named Go4Zero, aims to produce more than 2 million tonnes of carbon-neutral cement per year by 2029. As early as 2027, the objective is to reduce CO₂ emissions by 30%.

Last May, Holcim launched the transformation works at its Walloon site — a project supported by the European Union as part of the European Green Deal. Within this framework, Holcim is partnering with French group Air Liquide on the oxy-fuel combustion component, which produces more concentrated CO₂ in flue gases, making on-site capture and purification easier.

“This project is a world first, notably in terms of the announced energy efficiency. It will become a reality within five years. Our goal is to deliver a concrete solution to the market while continuing to play a key role in circularity by recovering waste in the clinker production line, both for energy needs and raw materials,” says Vincent Michel, Go4Zero Project Director at Holcim Belgium.

The project aims, by 2029, to produce two million tonnes of decarbonised cement and capture 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂

Vincent MichelGo4Zero Project Director at Holcim Belgium

In practical terms, Holcim plans to produce dry-process clinker from 2027 and fully decarbonised clinker by 2029. “New facilities will be built to process limestone — the main raw material — and transport it by rail to the Obourg site,” Vincent Michel explains.

Clinker production — the base ingredient for cement and concrete — is highly carbon-intensive because it requires heating limestone to more than 1,400 degrees, triggering a chemical reaction that releases CO₂. Before the end of the decade, all CO₂ generated by clinker production at the Obourg site will be captured for geological storage in the North Sea.

This world-first project on Walloon soil represents an investment of more than €500 million. Holcim will receive €230 million in support from the European Innovation Fund, financed by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System.

The role of Wallonia Export & Investment Agency

Over the past four years, the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency has supported Holcim in demonstrating the relevance of the Go4Zero project to its Swiss headquarters and securing approval for this major investment in Wallonia.

Collaboration between the Agency and Holcim in preparing a strong and convincing business case was a key factor. All decision-making elements for Holcim Switzerland were addressed, including labour costs, tax incentives, investment aid, Walloon and European funding, and economic trends.

The Wallonia Export & Investment Agency also acted as a facilitator, organising contacts and meetings between Holcim and the various Walloon stakeholders required to deliver the project. This led to the creation of a dedicated task force bringing together ministerial offices, the Walloon administration, regional development agencies and other partners.

The Agency continues to provide day-to-day support for the project’s progress, including assistance with recruitment needs for the construction phase and guidance on ongoing European calls for projects.