23 November 2021

Ireland: CRH’s consolidated sales rose by 11% year-on-year to US$22.8bn in the first nine months of 2021, according to the group’s nine-month trading update. The company recorded earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$3.9bn, up by 15% year-on-year. CRH forecast a full-year EBITDA of US$5.25bn.

CRH said that it invested US$1.4bn in new acquisitions in the first nine months of 2021. It added that there remains a strong pipeline of opportunities open to it. At the end of the third quarter of 2021, the company had completed US$800m-worth of its share buyback programme.

Chief executive officer Albert Manifold said “CRH continues to perform well, with good underlying demand and pricing progress across our key markets. Our uniquely integrated and solutions-focused business model has supported further margin expansion across our businesses, while our strong cash generation and disciplined approach to capital allocation provides further opportunities to create value for all of our stakeholders.” He added “Looking ahead to the remainder of the year, we expect to deliver another record performance for the group.”

Germany: Cemex Zement has partnered with sustainable technology supplier Orcan Energy for the establishment of a waste heat recovery (WHR) plant at its Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg, cement plant. Orcan Energy will supply six generator modules for the installation. When commissioned in mid-2022, the WHR plant will cover part of the plant’s energy consumption. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy contributed 50% of funds for the project.

Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia regional president Sergio Menendez said “Efforts to achieve carbon neutrality at our Rüdersdorf cement plant by 2030 continue apace, and this project to install a WHR system is the latest significant milestone in our journey. It further demonstrates the value of forming expert alliances to investigate and then implement innovative technologies that will ensure the decarbonisation of our operation.”

Philippines: Singapore-based Blueleaf Energy says that it has secured a 20-year solar power supply with Holcim Philippines. The companies have signed a power purchase agreement whereby Blueleaf Energy will finance, build and operate a total of 29MW of solar power infrastructure in Norzagaray, Bulacan, and Bacnotan, La Union. These will supply 15% of the energy requirements of Holcim Philippines’ Bulacan and La Union cement plants respectively. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2024.

Holcim Philippines president and CEO Horia Adrian said “Reducing the carbon footprint of our operations is one of our key sustainability commitments. This year, we have made great progress in this area by stepping up production of blended cements and replacing coal with alternative fuels. Shifting to renewable solar energy will help us further improve as an environment steward and a partner in building progress in the country sustainably.”

Chile: Cemento Polpaico has obtained a licence for the use of Canada-based CarbonCure’s CO₂ utilisation technology. The Diario Financiero newspaper has reported that the cement company plans to implement the technology in its concrete production.

Head of development and projects Matias Saenz said that Cemento Polpaico was among the first cement producers to commit to the UN’s Race to Zero decarbonisation initiative. It has also set out 20 sustainability goals to achieve before 2025. The company said that by implementing CarbonCure technology it is contributing to CarbonCure’s vision of eliminating 500Mt/yr of CO₂ emissions.

Tanzania: Prime Cement has received a 50,000t shipment of Saudi clinker via the Port of Tanga. The Daily News newspaper has reported that the clinker will continue its journey by road to Rwanda.

Prime Cement’s business operations manager Mvayo Fabrice said "I call upon Tanzania Ports Authority to continue marketing the Port of Tanga so that we can receive more cargo and boost the regional economy and people's welfare."