By 2026, Cimpor's industrial facility at Souselas, on the outskirts of Coimbra, is expected to invest approximately 100 million euros in environmentally friendly projects that emphasise technological innovation and decarbonisation. After celebrating 50 years of operation, the factory, one of the most significant industrial entities in Portugal's cement industry, announced further investments to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The reconversion of the second production line for the introduction of calcined clays in cement manufacturing stands out among the initiatives to be performed in Souselas, according to the factory director. The project is a pioneer in Portugal and will have an effect on the local economy. As Susana Coimbra explained, “In addition to the environmental aspect associated with this project, this is an operation that will contribute to the creation of local jobs, boosting the economy and making the production process more sustainable”.

A decarbonisation project “as ambitious as Cimpor’s must necessarily involve complementary investments on various fronts, technological, environmental, and energy, which allow for an integrated response to the demanding challenges facing this industry”, Susana Coimbra shared in response to a question from the Lusa news agency.

Since the establishment of its first production line in 1974, which has a capacity of 500 thousand tonnes of clinker annually, the Souselas unit “has constantly evolved to respond to market challenges and environmental demands, until the implementation of modern technologies that reinforce its commitment to decarbonisation”, the company stated.