Cemex is betting on renewable natural gas in Southern California

Cemex has signed an agreement with a fuel supplier to power 39 ready-mix concrete and cement trucks in Southern California with renewable natural gas (RNG).

The partnership with Clean Energy is the latest addition to Cemex’s low-carbon fuel portfolio in California. Cemex describes RNG as “a carbon-negative transportation fuel that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 300 percent compared to diesel fuel.”

Cemex’s fleet will utilize Clean Energy’s network of public stations in Southern California to fuel RNG, with the company forecast to use approximately 300,000 gallons of RNG annually.

“By leveraging Clean Energy’s renewable energy resources, we are accelerating our aggressive sustainability goals, inspiring innovation, strengthening resilience and building a legacy of responsible stewardship for future generations,” says Francisco Rivera, Cemex US regional president for the West.

With the new fueling agreement, Clean Energy will launch a private fueling station exclusively for Cemex’s RNG fleet. The new station, located in Rialto, California, will feature timed dispensers and a dedicated quick-fill dispenser for refueling.

Cemex expects the private fuel station project to be ready by the end of this year, and trucks will start refueling on site shortly thereafter. Clean Energy will supply RNG to the privately owned station and will also operate and maintain the facility.

“Cemex is not only a world-class leader in the building materials industry, but also one of the most advanced in thinking about our sustainable future,” says Chad Lindholm, senior vice president of Clean Energy. “This expanded fleet of RNG trucks will help decarbonize the overall operation, as well as reduce emissions associated with trucks idling on site.

By converting a portion of its fleet to RNG, Cemex plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its fleet by approximately 8,822 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. According to Cemex, this is equivalent to taking 1,981 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles off the road for one year.

“As leaders in the building materials industry, we recognize the critical role we play in building a more sustainable future,” says Rivera. “Using renewable fuels is not just an option; it’s a necessity. What Cemex provides is essential to building communities across California and the country.

According to Cemex, Clean Energy currently has a network of more than 600 gas stations across North America.

Related: Cemex unveils fully electric ready-mix truck