Climafuel in the United Kingdom

Among the alternative fuels used in the UK to replace up to 20% to 30% of the fossil fuels required to heat the cement kilns is Climafuel, which is derived from household residual waste and commercial waste. It looks like shredded paper and consists of paper, cardboard, wood, carpet, textiles, and plastics that have been through a treatment process. It is a solid, non-hazardous fuel from which recoverable materials have been removed for recycling.

Following extensive trials, which showed a significant reduction in certain emissions, including nitrogen oxides, CEMEX has now secured the permission to use Climafuel permanently at two UK plants, and is trialing it at a third.

The biomass content within Climafuel is also considered carbon neutral, which means that using it reduces the carbon footprint associated with cement-making. Assuming that the biomass content in Climafuel is approximately 50%, the carbon dioxide saving is in the region of 1.5 tons per ton of fossil fuel replaced.