Ireland: Ireland’s cement industry believes that it can reduce fossil fuel use by 90% over the next 15 years by increasing the use of solid recovered fuel (SRF) in kiln operations. A report commissioned by Cement Manufacturers Ireland (CMI), the lobby group that represents the industry, indicated that the cement sector used around 325,000t of SRF in 2024. The report was compiled by consultancy firm SLR, and states that Ireland’s four cement kilns rely on SRF, and that cement production accounts for 22% of residual waste treatment through the use of SRF.

The country has capacity to produce 430,000t of SRF, with potential to increase to 860,000t subject to investment and regulatory approvals. However, it warned that recycling targets and any downturn in cement production could reduce availability and demand for the fuel.

Chair of CMI David O’Brien said “The use of SRF contributes to reduced fossil fuel consumption, diverts waste from landfills, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and supports Ireland’s broader circular economy initiatives. To secure SRF as a sustainable long-term solution for Ireland’s cement sector, co-ordinated efforts are essential among government entities, the waste industry, cement manufacturers and academic institutions. Addressing legislative challenges, market fluctuations, and operational risks will be critical for the future success of SRF in decarbonising the cement industry.”

Residents close to Adbri’s Birkenhead cement plant near Adelaide, South Australia, have expressed concern about a potential increase in the amount of plastic being burned as an alternative fuel (AF) at the plant. City of Port Adelaide Enfield Councillor Peter McGregor has also announced his opposition.

"Adbri has used refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in the past. It currently contains 20% plastic. What they're proposing now is to use more RDF and increase the plastic in a separate part of their plant," said McGregor, who claimed that a new permit would allow the plant to use up to 50% plastic in its RDF. This has not been confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In a statement, Adbri said the company has hosted information sessions and has encouraged the local community ‘to provide feedback on proposed trials to further reduce fossil fuel usage’ at its Birkenhead facility. Adbri said that the RDF it uses is made from construction and demolition waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill and that the trial would take place in full compliance with EPA regulations.

China: KHD Humboldt Wedag has commissioned a Pyrorotor alternative fuels (AF) system on a 5000t/day production line at Conch Group’s Baoshan cement plant in Yunnan Province, the second deployment of the system in China. During commissioning, the Pyrorotor system processed high-moisture biomass and a mix of municipal solid waste, achieving a feed rate of 18t/hr while maintaining kiln stability. The kiln operated at higher rotational speeds to adapt to challenging fuel conditions, with no material build-up recorded at the inlet.

KHD Humboldt Wedag’s commissioning supervisor Timuçin Tuzcuoğlu said “The Pyrorotor unit handled the adverse fuel conditions without a problem,” adding that further improvements could be achieved with 'higher-quality fuels.'

Following commissioning, the Baoshan plant team plans to test additional biomass feedstocks, expand fuels preparation capacity and explore the use of externally-sourced AF. The plant will also showcase the installation to representatives of other plants within Conch Group.

Oman: Oman Cement has launched a project at its Misfah plant in Muscat Governorate that uses industrial waste as fuel to reduce reliance on natural gas. The company installed a shredding machine to prepare industrial waste as fuel and awarded a contract to supply and install a system to feed the material into Kiln 1. The project reportedly forms part of the producer’s strategy to increase efficiency, increase capacity and reduce fossil fuel use and aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the company’s decarbonisation targets. In 2024, Oman Cement said it was investing in a waste-to-energy designed to utilise refuse derived as an alternative energy source.