Adelaide University researchers have identified inconsistent fuel terminology, quality standards and regulatory approaches as barriers to wider use of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in cement manufacturing.
Announced on 20 October, the research reviewed 211 publications and examined 48 sources in detail. It highlighted confusion between RDF and solid recovered fuel (SRF), a more standardised waste-derived fuel, making research findings and regulatory requirements difficult to compare.
The researchers said greater adoption requires consistent fuel quality, clearer regulations and stronger evidence of environmental and economic performance. They called for improved fuel classification and quality assurance, alongside further assessment of operating conditions across different markets.
The study was published in the International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation.
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