India: Dalmia Cement and Topcem have signed a deal with the state government of Meghalaya to buy plastic litter from clean-up operations at a cost of US$422/t. The companies, whose combined integrated cement capacity in the state is 2.5Mt/yr, will burn the refuse-derived fuel (RDF) as a partial substitute for coal at three plants. News18 has reported that the deal is part of a concerted campaign by government, NGOs and the general population to bring about a cleaner and plastic-free Meghalaya in time for the National Games, which the state will host in 2022.
CWM Environmental awards refuse-derived fuel contract to Geminor in Wales
UK: CWM Environmental has awarded a five-year contract to Geminor to distribute refuse-derived fuel (RDF) sourced from CWM’s Nantycaws material recycling facility in Wales to its European export market. The agreement, which followed a competitive tender process, has the option for extension of up to five years, in one-year increments. No value for the deal has been disclosed.
“Carmarthenshire’s waste will become a highly beneficial source of green energy,” said James Maiden, UK Country Manager at Geminor. “What’s more, through the use of empty load logistics, the entire project will result in minimal CO2 emissions – a highly sustainable and economical solution.”
Andalusian cement sector renews RDF commitments
Spain: Members of the Andalusian Cement Producers’ Association (AFCA) have renewed their commitment to sustainable development with the signing of the VI Agreement for Energy Recovery. All six cement producers, including LafargeHolcim, HeidelbergCement and Cemex, which operate in Andalusia submitted to the agreement, which entails a commitment to using refuse-derived fuels (RDF) at a higher rate than the minimum established by Spanish law.
Dalmia cement commits itself to 100% RDF and biofuels by 2030
India: Dalmia Cement has revealed its commitment to the adoption of bamboo matter and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for 100% of its fuel needs by 2030 as part of its new ‘Future Today’ branding. The company’s plan also consists of a transition to renewable power by 2040 and a 0.5Mt/yr carbon capture and storage facility at its 4.0Mt/yr integrated Ariyalur cement plant in Tamil Nadu in 2022 at the latest. Mahendra Singh, managing director and CEO of Dalmia Cement, has expressed the hope that its product should become ‘the World’s greenest cement.’