Cimpor has announced a EUR155m investment focussed on innovation and sustainability, through the modernisation of Kiln 7 and the establishment of a new research and development (R&D) centre. Portugal’s Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis, visited Cimpor’s Alhandra plant, where he observed the ongoing works and was presented with the project for the future R&D Centre.
The new R&D centre will become a hub for innovation in sustainable construction, materials science and digital transformation. It aims to develop solutions that minimise the environmental impact of construction and contribute to a more sustainable future. The building itself will incorporate green cement based on calcined clay (LC³), which significantly reduces CO2 emissions, as well as recycled aggregates, reducing the extraction of natural resources.
According to Cevat Mert, CIMPOR’s CEO for Portugal and Cape Verde, “The presentation of these two projects is a milestone for us, as it highlights the progress we have made since launching our investment plan to modernise our production centres. At the same time, the future R&D Centre is also a testament to our belief in Portuguese talent, the strength of its industrial fabric, and the role Portugal can play in transforming the construction sector across Europe.”
The centre’s research and development efforts will focus on key areas of sustainability, including CO2 reduction technologies such as low-clinker cement development, carbon capture and alternative fuels. Concrete recycling and the circular economy will also be priorities, with processes developed to reuse demolished concrete as raw material. Digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) will be applied to optimise production, maintenance, and energy efficiency, through digital twins and intelligent monitoring systems. The centre will also explore 3D concrete printing for modular, efficient, and low-waste construction, as well as rapid prototyping of materials and structures.
The new R&D Centre will create over 100 highly qualified jobs, attracting young talent and experienced specialists. It will also serve as a hub for collaboration with universities, startups, and global innovation networks, hosting conferences, workshops and knowledge exchange activities.
The building will operate as a living lab, with real-time monitoring of its thermal and structural performance, and energy consumption. It will be open to students, researchers and industry stakeholders, offering first-hand experience of sustainable construction in practice. With this investment, Cimpor aims not only to position itself as a global reference in sustainable construction practices but also to contribute to Portugal’s and the EU’s climate goals in construction and infrastructure.
