Johannesburg, 10 October 2025 – Energas Technologies, in partnership with Orcan Energy, is bringing advanced waste heat recovery (WHR) systems to South Africa’s cement industry – a sector under increasing pressure to cut emissions, lower costs, and stabilize power supply.
Cement production is vital to infrastructure and economic growth, yet it is also responsible for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions. Globally, producers are accelerating their decarbonization strategies. In Europe, Orcan Energy has already delivered WHR projects with leading manufacturers such as Wittekind Zement, where six efficiency packs now generate up to 8,000 MWh of clean electricity per year and cut 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ – all without disrupting operations.
South Africa’s cement producers face their own unique challenges: rising electricity tariffs, carbon tax obligations, and frequent power supply disruptions. At the same time, companies like PPC, AfriSam, and Lafarge-linked operators are part of international groups that are already adopting low-carbon innovations in Europe. This creates an opportunity to align local plants with global best practice in energy efficiency and waste-to-energy solutions.
Unlike traditional large-scale WHR plants, Orcan’s modular Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems are designed for flexibility. They require less space, involve significantly lower upfront capital investment, and can adapt to fluctuating heat availability – a “no-regret” option that future-proofs cement operations. With Energy-as-a-Service financing models, plants can realize immediate savings without heavy capital expenditure.
“South African cement producers are under pressure to improve energy efficiency, cut carbon emissions, and manage electricity risks. Orcan Energy’s modular waste heat recovery solutions are proven in Europe and perfectly suited to our local conditions. By adopting them, producers can strengthen competitiveness while making real progress toward decarbonization,” says Jansen van Vuuren, Energas Product Manager.
With the ability to turn previously wasted heat into clean, reliable electricity, Orcan’s WHR systems present a practical step for South African cement manufacturers to reduce costs, stabilize operations, and meet tightening climate commitments.