Portland cement clinker production using concentrated solar energy – A proof-of-concept approach

[Display omitted] •Synthesis of Portland clinker by concentrated solar energy was fortunately achieved.•The reactivity of the raw mix is very sensitive to clinkerization time.•Reliable surface temperature control during clinkerization was demonstrated.•Controlled cooling at suitable rate is essential for attaining the desired phases.•White clinker is hard to produce owing to its low solar absorptance. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of producing Portland cement clinker upon direct exposure of the raw materials under concentrated solar radiation using the PSA high concentration solar furnace SF40. For this purpose, a short thermal cycle (