Azerbaijan: Norm Sement Company will utilise sludge from drilling wells for powering its cement plant, following an agreement with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), according to Trend. The plant has a capacity exceeding 2.1Mt/yr of cement and 5300t/day of clinker.
A source said "In collaboration with SOCAR, we tried sludge to power Norm Sement last year. Negotiations on a long-term deal are underway. Cooperation to use industrial waste supports the country's green economy strategy.”
Egypt: Cemex has entered an agreement with the authorities in Egypt's Gharbia province to operate the first facility of its circularity solutions business, Regenera. The company will treat over 800t/day of municipal solid waste at the facility to produce alternative fuels and compost, aiming for minimal residual waste to landfill.
"Through Regenera, Cemex seeks to conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit communities by promoting sustainable development and reducing the environmental impact of industrial activities," the company said.
Tanzania: Fortune Cement Co has initiated white cement production at its new plant in Mkuranga District, Coast Region, aiming to meet both domestic and international demand. The plant, which produces 200t/day of white cement, will bolster employment and increase revenue through exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Exaud Kigahe, said “The Ministry will collaborate to ensure that the products manufactured in this plant cross national borders and reach even the African free market.” He also noted that the new production capacity will reduce imports and create job opportunities for Tanzanian youth while enhancing foreign exchange earnings. Currently, over 50% of the raw materials for the plant are sourced locally, excluding white clinker, which is imported.
India: India's cement sector has launched a pilot programme utilising electric trucks, according to the Times of India. The industry has deployed about 150 electric vehicles, exploring their potential for reducing long-term operating costs, despite challenges like high initial costs and inadequate charging infrastructure, according to the Cement Manufacturers’ Association president and Shree Cement managing director Neeraj Akhoury.
A report called ‘Greening Logistics: Electrification in cement & raw material transport’ was released, stating that the industry is heavily reliant on road transport and internal combustion engine trucks for moving cement, clinker and other raw materials across an average distance of 300km. The report also says that the transition to E-trucks presents an opportunity to slash logistic costs by 25-40%. Vehicles that operate over 8000km per month can achieve profitability considering current energy and infrastructure costs. Additionally, E-trucks powered by renewable energy could cut CO2 emissions by up to 100% when compared to internal combustion engine trucks, which emit approximately 6kg of CO₂ per tonne of cement transported over a 100km range.
Madhavkrishna Singhania, chairman of Green Cementech 2024 and deputy managing director and CEO of JK Cement said "Despite challenges such as higher cost of ownership, longer payback periods, and limited charging infrastructure, the cement sector has shown leadership by deploying EVs for material handling and dispatch operations, even on lead distance routes exceeding 100km."
