Quicklime production is one of Sweden’s most carbon-intensive industrial processes. Now, new research from Umeå University shows that electrification could become a realistic route to fossil-free production, without compromising product quality.

In her doctoral thesis, Katarzyna Olovsson investigates how electric heating can replace fossil fuels in quicklime production. Using a laboratory-scale electric furnace, she studied how different process temperatures and burn times affect the slaking reactivity of the lime—a key performance indicator in industrial applications. The findings were clear: all test samples reached medium to high reactivity.

“In our experiments simulating an electrified process, we tested how different temperatures and burn durations affect slaking reactivity. The results showed that all samples had medium to high reactivity, which means that this quality can be achieved using electric heating,” says Katarzyna Olovsson.

Quicklime is an essential component in the steel, pulp and paper, and water treatment industries. Its production, however, traditionally relies on fossil fuels to reach the high temperatures required, resulting in significant CO₂ emissions.

Olovsson’s work also examines how microstructure and carbonation behavior are influenced by electric heating and atmospheric conditions. Her research helps clarify how limestone type and process design affect the final product, offering valuable guidance for industries aiming to transition toward fossil-free solutions.

The thesis was defended in April 2025 at the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics, Umeå University. The research was conducted in collaboration with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and industrial partners, funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, and is linked to Bio4Energy’s platform for system studies and process integration.

PhD Dissertation

Thermochemical properties and quality measures of limestone and quicklime

Bio4Energy Contacts

Doctor Katarzyna Olovsson — Affiliation with Umeå University

PhD Supervisor, Professor Markus Broström — Affiliation with Umeå University