Cement crisis in Britain may jeopardize progress of webpage development projects

The Mineral Products Association (MPA), a trade body representing the UK's cement, lime, and concrete industries, has expressed concerns about the country's ability to meet housing targets due to a decline in domestic cement production.

In 2024, cement production in the UK reached its lowest recorded level since records began in 1950, with 7.3 million tonnes produced. This figure is a stark contrast to the 16 million tonnes produced in 1990, more than double the current production.

The decline in cement production has been ongoing, with levels lower than those seen in the 1990s. This trend has been influenced by various factors, including energy-intensive industry relocation abroad due to rising energy costs and regulatory pressures, structural economic shifts reducing industrial production, and market disruptions caused by events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MPA has also reported a rise in the percentage of cement imports, increasing from 12% in 2008 to 32% in 2024. This reliance on imports could potentially impact the construction industry's ability to meet the demand for new housing, as high energy bills and volatile imports could lead to higher costs and possible delays for builders.

However, there are signs of hope on the horizon. The UK government has announced plans to implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in 2027, which will put carbon costs on imports and give UK producers a fairer footing. Additionally, Innovate UK is funding trials for low-carbon cements, such as LC3 cement and cement-free concretes, which could potentially cut embodied carbon by 20-40% if scaled up.

Rob Wood, boss of Breedon Group, a leading producer of raw materials, has blamed "a generation of underinvestment in housing and infrastructure" for the decline in cement production. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, stating that with policy support and new technology, supply could stabilize, helping to meet the country's housing targets.

The outlook for cement production improvement and meeting housing targets is mixed, but with concerted efforts from the government, industry, and technology, there is hope for a more sustainable and resilient future for the UK's cement industry.

Cement crisis in Britain may jeopardize progress of webpage development projects