Cemex implements second renewable power solution in the UK to cut carbon emissions.
- Following the success at Alrewas, Cemex introduces solar power at Hamer Warren.
- The Alrewas plant achieved a 68% reduction in night-time diesel usage.
- Cemex plans to lower its carbon footprint significantly by 2030.
- Renewable energy projects at Cemex are seen as both cost-effective and replicable.
Cemex, the global cement and concrete leader, is taking significant strides towards decarbonisation by installing solar power and battery storage solutions at its Hamer Warren quarry in Hampshire. This initiative comes after a successful renewable energy implementation at its Alrewas Readymix Plant in Staffordshire, which has set a precedent for reducing carbon emissions within the industry.
The innovative setup at Alrewas, comprising a 90kWh battery and solar panels, has demonstrated tangible environmental benefits. Notably, it has diminished the reliance on night-time diesel generators by an impressive 68%. This achievement underscores the potential for similar setups to make a substantive impact in energy-intensive operations that traditionally rely on non-renewable energy sources.
Further to the success seen at Alrewas, Cemex is now poised to replicate this renewable energy model at its Hamer Warren quarry, located in the New Forest, Hampshire. The primary objective at Hamer Warren is to reduce diesel consumption associated with the plant’s on-site pumping activities, thereby contributing to a more sustainable operational footprint.
Cemex’s commitment to environmental sustainability is epitomised by its far-reaching ‘Future in Action’ climate strategy. This comprehensive plan is designed to curtail the carbon footprint to below 430kg of CO2 per ton of cementitious material, marking a 47% decrease from the company’s 1990 baseline. The strategy also aims to slash carbon content in concrete, up the consumption of clean electricity to 65% by 2030, and cut Scope 3 transport emissions by 30%.
The proactive approach of Cemex is further characterised by its investment in company-wide education. The organisation has teamed up with the Renewables Institute, facilitating ‘intensive training’ for its staff to build competencies in renewable technologies. Such initiatives are not only empowering but have also resulted in the completion of several pioneering renewable energy projects.
Cemex’s leadership is vocal about the benefits of these projects. Steven Coles, the operational excellence manager for Cemex Western Europe Materials, has highlighted the innovation and creativity within the team driven by the ‘Future in Action’ programme. Andy Spencer, VP for corporate affairs, sustainability, and ERM, remarked on the replicability of the Alrewas project, noting its attractiveness in terms of cost savings and CO2 reductions.
Cemex’s renewable endeavours highlight a forward-thinking approach to achieving net-zero emissions.
