Cementing a Sustainable Future through Alternative Fuels and Eco-efficient CEM II Cements

Quinn Cement is aiming to further decrease their imported fossil fuel consumption through displacement with Alternative Fuels. The company has adopted the use of alternative fuels from local residual waste materials to co-fuel cement production as part of their drive to make a significant contribution to more sustainable manufacturing processes.

The introduction of Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) into the manufacturing process has already commenced, with the potential for the company to reduce their use of coal by up to 50% annually. The result is one tonne of CO₂ saved for every tonne of SRF used to replace fossil fuels.

This successful transition to SRF co-fuelling of cement production has led Quinn Cement to seek permission to further extend their Alternative Fuels licence.

In addition, Quinn Cement produces eco-efficient CEM II cements.  These cements allow for the substitution of clinker in the final cement product with locally sourced raw materials. This is a further reduction of CO₂ emissions associated with the product manufacture.

The company has a policy to move towards zero fossil fuel cement manufacturing where practicable over the next few years. With the capacity to produce 1.4 million tonnes of cement per year, this move, along with the manufacture of eco-efficient cements, will make a significant contribution to sustainability, and position Quinn Cement at the forefront in the European drive toward a circular economy.

Speaking of the benefits of the proposed move, TP Feehan, General Manager at Quinn Cement said,

“We are committed to growing a sustainable and environmentally-friendly business. We’re making huge strides towards closed loop, zero waste production methods, which not only benefits the environment, but also the local economy.

We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously, and in line with direction from Europe, we’re investing heavily in improving our production processes to ensure maximum recycling and efficiency, thereby reducing emissions and waste.

By rethinking the way we produce, we are establishing a process which will achieve real progress towards sustainability.”

The application to extend the license has been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve the extension of the license. If successful, Quinn Cement will invest up to £5 million in upgrading the plant to allow the further use of alternative fuel and alternative raw materials in the production process.

For the local economy, this investment is predicted to create further employment, both directly and indirectly. As well as increasing the workforce of the Cement Factory itself, Quinn Cement intend to source their supply of Alternative Fuels and raw materials locally.

Quinn Cement is accredited to BES 6001 ‘Responsible Sourcing of Products’ standard to a level of ‘Very Good’.  This is independently verified and supports the investment and work being done with regard sustainable manufacture.

Waste is replacing fossil fuels in the cement industry. from Cement Manufacturers Ireland on Vimeo.