RIYADH, May 19 (Arab News): Saudi Arabia's cement industry is poised to maintain its position as a key player in the global market, by harnessing circular economy principles and navigating challenges using digital innovation, according to an industry expert.
Amr Nader, CEO and co-founder of cement consultancy A3&Co, told Arab News that most of the Kingdom's plants in the sector boast state-of-the-art technologies, which will enable them to reach digital maturity for achieving operational excellence and de-carbonization goals.
While some plants are initiating proper strategic initiatives in this area, others are still in the early stages of trials.
However, Nader believes that the transition to digital maturity is on the priority list of most plants and is expected to materialize within the next 2 to 5 years.
According to TechSCI Research, Saudi Arabia's white cement market reached a value of $165.11 million in 2022, and is anticipated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 11.93 per cent during the forecast period spanning from 2024 to 2028.
Key projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, along with the expansion of transportation networks and entertainment centres, have spurred a notable increase in the demand for high-quality cement in the Kingdom.
Nader believes this growth will come alongside major shifts in the sector, and said: "We anticipate a cost reduction and improved value addition, leveraging circular economy and even for net-zero transition if the right technologies at the efficient sizes are adopted."
The CEO elaborated on the significance of adopting oxy-fuel technology at suitable scales, emphasizing its use of oxygen and recirculated flue gasses for burning fuels instead of air.
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