New Cemex factory in Alrewas uses renewable energy to save CO2

Global building materials solutions provider Cemex has launched an innovative renewable energy project at its new Alrewas Readymix (Pyford Brook) factory in Staffordshire, UK. The system, which uses a 90 kWh battery and solar panels, is set to save 200 tonnes of CO_2.

As part of Cemex’s company-wide “Future in Action” climate action program, a hybrid solar unit has been installed at its Alrewas plant to significantly reduce CO₂ and operating costs of the plant. The new Alrewas plant will open in 2023 without grid power, meaning that until recently the facility was powered solely by diesel generators. The desire to reduce CO₂ and dependence on fossil fuels, the Operational Excellence team was able to quickly reduce night-time diesel generator usage by 68% after installing renewable energy sources.

Steven Coles, Operational Excellence Manager, West Europe Materials, comments: “Cemex welcomes all forms of new innovation and ideas in its quest to reduce our carbon footprint. As our operations move towards net zero emissions, we are all enjoying the experience of designing and utilising new technologies, with batteries and other forms of renewable energy. Cemex’s extensive training at the Renewables Institute has enabled us to develop our skills in this critical area. It is encouraging in itself that we have completed several renewable projects over the past year and that we now have more exciting projects in the pipeline.”

Andy Spencer, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Sustainability and ERM, added: “It is inspiring to see how our Future in Action programme is igniting a high level of ingenuity and creativity within our workforce. The renewable energy installation at Alrewas is attractive both from a return on investment and CO2 emissions perspective.₂ reduction, and also the possibility of replication in other operations that cannot be connected to the electricity grid. The future here is bright!”

As a result of the success at Alrewas, a second battery and solar unit installation is now planned at Cemex’s Hamer Warren quarry in the New Forest, Hampshire. The same renewable energy technology will be used at Hamer Warren to reduce diesel consumption during on-site pumping at the plant.

At the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain, Cemex is pioneering ways to increase the use of alternative fuels in its operations, as well as waste and residues as alternative raw materials. Providing cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates and urbanization solutions in emerging markets around the world, Cemex is driven by an international workforce focused on delivering the highest quality customer experience, enabled by digital technologies.