08 February 2024

China: Xinjiang Tianshan Cement plans to make major capital expenditure (CAPEX) investments in its operations in 2024. Reuters has reported the projected value of the investments as US$2.36bn.

Japan: Taiheiyo Cement's nine-month results for the 2024 financial year showed a 9.9% year-on-year rise in sales, to US$4.44bn from US$4.04bn. Dow Jones Institutional News has reported that the producer’s net profit rebounded to US$194m, against a US$119m loss in the first nine months of the 2023 financial year.

US: The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has voiced its concerns over the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s newly finalised standard for particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5). The new standard reduces the level of particulate matter below 2.5μm diameter permitted in flue gas emissions to 9μg/m³ from 12μg/m³. The PCA says that it is concerned that the new rule may restrict US cement producers’ operations and ‘further complicate’ their efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

President and CEO Mike Ireland said “This new rule strikes at the heart of the US cement industry's ability to deliver on the Biden Administration's infrastructure goals, as it would lead to fewer hours of operation at plants, which would mean layoffs, as well as less American cement and concrete at a time when the country needs more.” He added “The previous EPA standard on particulate matter emissions — arrived at by government officials working with industry — significantly drove down those emissions by 37% over the last 20 years. This downward trend would have continued without the new standard imposed."

However, EPA administrator Michael Stanley Regan said that the updated standard will prevent 4500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays annually by 2032. Regan said “We do not have to sacrifice people to have a prosperous and booming economy.”

Mexico: Cemex has secured a place on environmental non-profit organisation CDP's 2023 A List for its leadership and transparency in delivering CO₂ emissions reduction. Since initiating its Future in Action sustainability initiative in 2020, Cemex achieved a 13% reduction in its CO₂ emissions up to 2023.

Cemex CEO Fernando González said "We are proud to be part of this prestigious group of climate action leaders and to receive CDP’s A rating, which reflects Cemex’s leadership in climate action and transparency through significant demonstrable actions. In this Decade to Deliver, we are committed to reaching our ambitious decarbonisation goals so that Net Zero is achievable by 2050."

Germany: Orcan Energy has expanded its Kiel plant in order to produce its waste heat recovery (WHR) systems entirely on-site. The expansion aims to meet increased global demand, in line with Orcan Energy's strategy to help reduce CO₂ emissions from cement and other industries.

Orcan Energy CEO Andreas Sichert said "The decision to expand our in-house production capacity in Kiel reflects our commitment to growth and innovation in Germany. With roots in Munich and a range of global projects, we can promote sustainable change around the world from Germany. I look forward to working together with my colleagues in Kiel to contribute to a profitable and sustainable energy future."