LOW NOX CALCINER

A system for reducing NOx emission levels during the manufacture of cement clinker having a calciner unit with the following features: an upper portion; a lower portion; a NOx reduction zone in the lower portion; a tertiary air inlet in the upper portion for introducing tertiary air into the upper portion; a main calciner meal inlet located above the NOx reduction zone for introducing a main calciner meal portion into the upper portion; a first cooling calciner meal inlet located in the NOx reduction zone for introducing a first cooling calciner meal portion into a periphery of the NOx reduction zone; and a fuel inlet located in or below the NOx reduction zone for introducing fuel into the reduction zone.