CEMEX is investing US$25m in a new system to replace fossil fuels at its Rugby cement plant in the UK, as part of its “Future in Action” programme to achieve carbon neutrality.
The new system incorporates the use of green hydrogen in the production process and is expected to be fully operational in June 2021. Once completed, CEMEX says it will have the capability to operate at 100% with alternative fuels.
The US$25m investment is designed to reduce the site’s consumption of fossil fuels. CEMEX says it is one of the largest contributors to the circular economy and a leader in using alternative fuels with over 60% use across its European operations, significantly higher than the industry average. In the UK, the building materials company also obtains 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.
The project is part of a US$100m investment programme in the UK that has contributed towards reducing CO2 emissions from European operations by 35% from 1990 levels, 10 years ahead of its global business target. CEMEX adds that the Rugby project is instrumental towards reaching its commitment of at least 55% CO2 reduction in European operations by 2030, in line with the European Commission’s aspiration for all its member states.
“We believe that this very significant investment in this upgraded facility supports CEMEX’s position to minimise the use of fossil fuels for both environmental and economic reasons,” said Sergio Menendez, president of CEMEX Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia. “It will enable the Rugby plant to consistently operate with up to 100% alternative fuels, which will contribute to our climate action targets.”
