Holcim's Iras Group receives EU Innovation Fund support for ORION project

The Iras Group, a member of Holcim, has announced that its “ORION” project was selected by the European Commission for funding through the EU Innovation Fund. The project was chosen as part of a call for the adoption of net-zero technologies, being one of only 77 projects selected from a total of 358 across 23 European countries.

Located at the cement production plant in Volos, Thessaly, the project involves the installation of a pioneering, fully electrified clinker production line. This system aims to replace fossil fuels with high-temperature electrification powered by a hybrid renewable energy system, utilizing photovoltaic stations and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

The initiative is designed to drastically reduce the carbon intensity of clinker production, supporting Holcim’s global decarbonization strategy and enhancing Greece's energy resilience by utilizing domestic clean energy production.