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Ribblesdale cement works investigates ammonia as hydrogen fuel source
Written by Global Cemfuels staff
13 March 2024
UK: Heidelberg Materials' Ribblesdale cement works in Lancashire is participating in a pioneering study to assess the use of ammonia as a hydrogen source for fuelling cement kilns. This 12-month feasibility project, conducted in collaboration with engineering consultants Stopford and Cranfield University, has received funding from Innovate UK through its UK Research and Innovation fund.
The research aims to investigate ammonia as a potentially energy-dense, cost-effective hydrogen carrier for cement manufacturing and other industries. Building on Ribblesdale's successful demonstration of using hydrogen in a net-zero fuel mix for a cement kiln, the new project will focus on the most efficient methods for on-site 'cracking' of ammonia to release hydrogen as kiln fuel.
Marian Garfield, Sustainability Director at Heidelberg Materials UK, said “We have already proved the success of using hydrogen as part of a lower carbon fuel mix, but its storage and transportation are currently technically challenging and expensive. Ammonia could offer a more viable hydrogen source that enhances fuel usage and reduces CO2 emissions. If successful, this project will pave the way for further investigations into the commercial viability of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for combustion in cement production and beyond.”
Fives collaborates with Holcim for hydrogen decarbonisation project
Written by Global Cemfuels staff
08 March 2024
France: Fives FCB has partnered with Holcim to decarbonise its cement production processes. Fives conducted successful hydrogen tests at the La Malle site in France, achieving over 50% hydrogen substitution in cement production. This result also enabled a significant increase in the use of alternative fuels while still maintaining cement quality. The group has also developed a digital model to tailor this process to each cement plant's unique requirements.
Geocycle inaugurates US$15m Agua Caliente de Cartago waste processing plant in Costa Rica
Written by Global Cemfuels staff
08 March 2024
Costa Rica: Holcim subsidiary Geocycle has commissioned its new US$15m Agua Caliente de Cartago waste processing plant. The plant will process 75,000t/yr of municipal solid waste into refuse-derived fuel for use at Holcim Costa Rica’s 1.1Mt/yr Agua Caliente de Cartago cement plant.
Holcim Costa Rica CEO Andrea Lara said "Accelerating sustainable growth means driving innovative solutions that allow us to decarbonise cities, and today Costa Rica is a leader in the region through this project.”
Slovenian government to tighten alternative fuel combustion regulations
Written by Global Cemfuels staff
08 March 2024
Slovenia: Parliament has voted in favour of legislation requiring limit values for the co-processing of waste, including as alternative fuel (AF) in cement production. The government will now define the limit values based on best available technology standards for incineration. Following the enactment, facilities which co-process waste will have four years in which to comply. Slovenia Times News has reported that the bill came about following campaigning by environmentalist group Eco Anhovo and allied non-governmental organisations. The groups protested against the way AF is used at Salonit Anhovo’s 1Mt/yr Anhovo cement plant in Nova Gorica Municipality.
Salonit Anhovo chair Tomaž Vuk said “To protect more than 800 direct and indirect jobs and the interests of us and our business partners, we will use all means to provide for further development and business operations.”
Cemex España to upgrade Alicante cement plant’s refuse-derived fuel line
Written by Global Cemfuels staff
06 March 2024
Spain: Cemex España plans to install a new tertiary mill in its Alicante cement plant’s refuse-derived fuel (RDF) line. The project, called Molentis, is scheduled for completion in early 2025 and will cost €6m. The Molentis upgrade will help the Alicante cement plant to raise its RDF substitution rate by 8%, according to the producer. This in turn will reduce its CO2 emissions by 6700t/yr. The Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism granted €4.4m toward the project to Cemex España under its Innovation and Sustainability Plan.
Cemex España director of operations Benjamín Cabrera said "Molentis will enable us to advance towards climate neutrality and position the Alicante factory at the forefront of new technologies in the decarbonised industry."