On Thursday 27 November 2025, the Walloon Government ratified the selection of projects from four Walloon companies under the ERDF/Just Transition Fund (JTF) Wallonia 2021-2027 programme.
The measure “Support for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in large companies” aims to help companies subject to the European emissions trading system in their decarbonisation efforts.
A European programme for a just transition
Wallonia's ERDF-JTF 2021-2027 programme, approved by the European Commission, supports the regions most affected by the transition to a carbon-neutral economy, by promoting economic conversion, training and the creation of sustainable jobs.
In Wallonia, the eligible areas are the districts of Tournai, Mons and Charleroi. The budget allocated to the JTF amounts to €182.6 million, of which €102.6 million comes from the European Next Generation EU instrument.
Ambitious industrial projects to reduce GHG emissions
5 companies responded to the call for projects. After analysis by SPW Economy, Employment, Research (EER), the Walloon Government approved the following 4 projects for a total amount of €169,053,210 in co-financed aid:
- Heidelberg Materials Antoing Ciment (Tournai): modification of the kiln line to eliminate fossil fuels, installation of a CO₂ capture and storage unit and heat recovery;
- Holcim Belgium (Mons): installation of a dry-process clinker kiln with oxy-fuel combustion and waste heat recovery;
- CCB - Compagnie des Ciments Belges (Tournai): modernisation of a clinker kiln, heat recovery, connection to the biogas network and installation of a wind farm;
- Aperam Stainless Belgium (Châtelet): recovery of waste heat to produce decarbonised electricity, energy improvement of annealing furnaces and installation of a biomethanisation unit.
These projects meet the conditions set by the European Commission, namely:
✅ Job retention
✅ Substantial reduction in GHG emissions
✅ Contribution to carbon neutrality
✅ Exclusion of fossil fuels
For Adrien Dolimont, Minister-President of Wallonia : “ With these projects, Wallonia moves from intention to action. The Walloon Government supports industrial investments that reduce emissions, secure jobs and strengthen our competitiveness. This is how we are preparing a stronger, resolutely decarbonised Wallonia. ”
“ By approving these 4 projects, the Walloon Government confirms its support for the energy transition of businesses and strengthens the economic appeal of the areas concerned. These strategic investments will significantly reduce industrial emissions and prepare Wallonia for a carbon-neutral economy ”, said Minister for Economy and Industry, Pierre-Yves Jeholet.