Cemex embraces waste-to-energy program

Cemex Costa Rica co-processed 4626t of waste from the beginning of the waste-to-energy project on July 25 through to the end of 2004, transformation manager Fernando Rojas told BNamericas. Of the 4262t processed to generate power for Cemex’s cement making process, 41 per cent was biomass, Rojas said in an emailed response. The company generated an average of 5500kcal/kg (6.39kWh) of power.

The idea is to use "processing technology to allow for the use of alternate sources of energy, to minimize contamination of the planet and to help society with clean and responsible production," according to Rojas. Further, the process cuts costs, reducing the need to invest in other forms of energy supply.  The company uses "industrial, commercial, domestic, agricultural and forestry waste to obtain energy via combustion." Considering all waste must be delivered to Cemex’s cement making plant, the company pays for a percentage of its transport, he said.