Sustainable energy: focus on alternative fuels in the cement industry

Brussels 9 February 2009 – What has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to that of 10 million cars (approximately the number of cars on the road in Spain)? How can more than 5 million tonnes of non renewable fossil fuels be saved? The answer is an existing technology: the co-processing of alternative fuels in the European cement industry.   

Sustainable Energy Europe (SEE - www.sustenergy.org) is a European Campaign to raise awareness and change the landscape of energy. It is a European Commission initiative, and one of the key focal points is the co-processing of alternative fuels. As a Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign (SEE) Associate CEMBUREAU, the European Cement Association, will today take part in the Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW).

“CEMBUREAU welcomes the recognition afforded to the co-processing of alternative fuels as a form of sustainable energy” highlights Dr Jean-Marie Chandelle, Chief Executive of CEMBUREAU. “In addition, we support the European Commission in the pursuit of the wide implementation of sustainable energy development patterns throughout Europe and beyond. Co-processing in the cement industry is an optimum way of recovering energy and material from waste.” 

Current average EU substitution rates are as follows:

• Alternative fuels 18%.  
• Raw materials: 5%
• Alternative constituents: 12% 

“Co-processing offers a safe and sound solution for the cement industry, the environment and society, by substituting non renewable resources with waste under strictly controlled conditions” states Claude Loréa, CEMBUREAU Technical Director. “It provides numerous benefits. Alternative fuels provide a solution in terms of reducing fossil fuel dependency and contributes to the lowering of, in particular, CO2 emissions in other sectors. Alternative raw materials mean a reduced need for quarrying and an improved environmental footprint of such activities. Finally, substitution of clinker in cement is an example of the positive contribution of the European cement industry to efficient resource management.”  

The EUSEW is the key annual reference point for sustainable energy issues in Europe. The events organised during EUSEW cover key topics that highlight the multi-sectoral nature of sustainable energy development and stress the need for everyone to work together towards a common goal.  CEMBUREAU is organising several events with the aim of highlighting the benefits of co-processing: a conference, a cement plant visit (ENCI - HeidelbergCement – Maastricht), and a cocktail. The Association will also take this opportunity to launch its latest publication entitled ‘Sustainable cement production: Co-processing of alternative fuels and raw materials in the cement industry’.

CONTACT & PUBLICATION REQUESTS

Jessica JOHNSON, Head of Communications
Tel.: + 32 2 234 10 11 
Fax : + 32 2 230 47 20
aj.johnson@cembureau.eu
www.cembureau.eu