CEMEX Alicante Invests 6 Million Euros in New Tertiary Mill to Reduce Emissions

CEMEX, a global leader in the building materials industry, is set to enhance its sustainability efforts with the introduction of a new tertiary mill at its Alicante factory.

The "Molentis" project, part of CEMEX's "Future in Action" decarbonization strategy, represents a 6 million euro investment aimed at significantly reducing the plant's carbon footprint. Scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2025, this initiative is supported by a 4.4 million euro grant from the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism's Innovation and Sustainability Plan in the Manufacturing Industry (Mincotur).

The new installation will process Waste Derived Fuel (CDR), reducing its size and moisture content, which currently is dosed in the kiln burner. This adjustment will allow for an increased use of this alternative fuel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. CDRs, known for their high calorific value and lower CO2 emissions due to their high biomass content, represent a more sustainable option than traditional fuels and contribute to the circular economy by utilizing waste as a resource.

"Molentis" is expected to increase the use of CDR in the Alicante factory's kiln by 8%, leading to an approximate reduction of 6,700 tons of CO2 emissions annually. This reduction is equivalent to the emissions from over 1,300 gasoline vehicles in a year. The project not only contributes to CEMEX's commitment to decarbonizing cement manufacturing but also positions the Alicante factory at the forefront of new technologies and industry decarbonization.

In addition to "Molentis," CEMEX Alicante has been investing in innovative projects to enhance sustainability. These include incorporating hydrogen into the fuel mix for its cement kiln and a unique sludge drying installation in Spain, transforming sludge from city sewage plants into fuel using the kiln's heat. The "Clyngas" project, co-financed by the European Union, aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 406,000 tons over ten years by replacing fossil fuels with synthesis gas from waste.

With these initiatives, CEMEX continues to advance its "Future in Action" strategy, aiming for carbon neutrality in cement production by 2050 and reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Source: Alicante Plaza