Keystone Cement to switch to natural gas

USA-based Keystone Cement has announced that its application for a US$320,950 state grant to extend a natural gas line to its plant in East Allen Township, Pennsylvania, has been approved. The company is looking to phase out coal in favour of natural gas as its primary fuel source, according to The Express Times.

"The gas line will fuel the Portland cement rotary dry-process kiln and the preheater tower manufacturing equipment," stated the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in a press release. "The total project cost is US$2,195,291 and is expected to retain 137 full-time jobs."

Richard Toedter, a local engineer who assisted with the application, noted that around 3000 coal trucks serve the plant each year. The volumes of natural gas available are expected to be sufficient enough to allow the company to completely stop coal usage, except during emergencies.

The project is expected to be operational by spring 2020.