Saeed Chehreh Chelganis research shows how the cement industry can be more effective
23 September 2025
AI to reduce energy losses in the cement industry
The cement industry is one of the world’s most energy-intensive industries. Within WISE – the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability – researchers at Luleå University of Technology showed how explainable artificial intelligence can make production both more efficient and more sustainable.
Nearly half of cement production’s electricity energy consumption goes into grinding, yet size reduction units like ball milling are wasting an enormous amount of energy. Here, new technology can make a significant difference.
“By using the data that already exists in factories, we can uncover entirely new opportunities for optimization,” says Saeed Chehreh Chelgani, Professor of Mineral Processing at Luleå University of Technology.
Conscious Lab makes plant data actionable
Saeed Chehreh Chelgani has developed Conscious Lab, a framework that applies explainable AI to everyday control-system data. In many plants, such data is mainly consulted after a fault. Conscious Lab instead explains what is happening in the process, pinpoints loss-driving parameters, and enables operators to optimize in real time.
“The technology distills complex relationships into a few key parameters and maps multiple improvement paths,” says Saeed Chehreh Chelgani.
The study was completed and published in Scientific Reports (2025) and has been presented to the WISE. The results show that AI support can train operators, optimize process control, save energy and time, and reduce laboratory testing – directly supporting a more circular and sustainable cement production.
Luleå University of Technology is a key node in WISE
WISE is Sweden’s largest-ever investment in materials science for sustainability. Luleå University of Technology is a key node in the program, contributing strong expertise in process and materials research. The university carries out projects at the highest international level and educates the next generation of researchers to meet industry’s sustainability challenges.
“As a WISE Fellow, I am proud that we at Luleå University of Technology contribute unique expertise in the process industry and sustainable materials. Our research is an important part of Sweden’s joint effort in future materials science,” says Saeed Chehreh Chelgani.
About WISE - Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability
- Sweden's largest ever investment in materials science for sustainability.
- Funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation with almost SEK 3 billion over ten years (2022-2033).
- The goal is to understand, create and control complex materials down to the atomic level to enable a green industrial transition.
- Seven Swedish universities are participating, including Luleå University of Technology.
Contact
Saeed Chehreh Chelgani
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