NEXE Group

Interesting fact: NEXE Group is the second largest cement producer in Croatia, containing 12 companies in total operating in Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina active in the production of cement, concrete, aggregates, concrete elements, roof tiles and brick.

Cement production is one of the world’s most energy- and carbon-intensive industrial processes, with high-temperature process heat accounting for a significant share of total emissions. As the industry moves towards lower-carbon manufacturing, replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives has become a key priority for cement producers worldwide.

Client:

NEXE Group

Industry:

Cement

Solution:

15 MW WTS Wood Powder / Gas burner

The process

Cement production relies on a continuous high-temperature process where finely ground raw materials are heated through several stages before being transformed into clinker, the main ingredient in cement. As the material moves through preheating, calcination and clinker formation, temperatures gradually increase to around 1,450°C.
At these temperatures, fuel combustion becomes a critical part of the process. Maintaining a stable flame, consistent heat transfer and precise temperature control is essential to ensure product quality, operational reliability and kiln efficiency. Any disturbance in the combustion process can affect both clinker quality and plant performance, placing high demands on burner technology and process control.

Challenge

Guided by its mission to build a better future responsibly, NEXE Group set out to decarbonize the cement kiln at its Našice production site in Croatia. The objective was to replace fossil fuels with a renewable alternative without compromising the continuous, high-temperature operation required for cement production, while also reducing long-term energy costs.

The Solution

As part of the €400 million CO₂NTESSA project, BKtech Group delivered a state-of-the-art multifuel combustion system, including burners, burner systems, and advanced process controls. The solution enables the kiln to operate primarily on sustainably sourced sawdust, with gas retained as a backup fuel.

“Decarbonizing high-temperature industrial processes is one of the biggest challenges facing heavy industry today. This project demonstrates that it’s possible to significantly reduce fossil fuel dependency without compromising operational reliability or performance. We’re proud to support NEXE Group on its journey towards more sustainable cement production,” says Joakim Svensk, CEO of WTS.

The result

The new multifuel system allows NEXE Group to switch seamlessly between renewable sawdust and fossil gas, significantly reducing the site’s dependence on fossil fuels while improving energy security. Operating continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the upgraded kiln represents a major step towards near climate-neutral cement production, positioning the Našice facility among Europe’s most advanced cement plants.