At the 17th Global CemFuels Conference & Exhibition in Dublin, Ireland, our team had the opportunity to engage by hosting a booth and delivering a presentation. Bringing together 175 delegates from across the globe, the event served as a prime platform to discuss the latest innovations in alternative fuels for cement and lime industries. We were able to engage with industry leaders, share insights, and contribute to discussions on sustainable practices in cement production.

Advancing clean energy in cement production

On day one, several industry experts shared insights into advancements in alternative fuels and decarbonization. Filipa Rôlo from Cimpor highlighted the Souselas plant’s success in reaching a thermal substitution rate (TSR) of 65%, and Michele Graffigna of Heidelberg Materials discussed the company’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 47% per tonne by 2030.

Panu Ärölä, Tana’s Sales Manager, presented Finland’s impressive tyre recycling initiatives in his talk titled “Reference Case in Finland: User Perspectives in the TDF Value Chain.” He emphasized that 85% of tyres are utilized by the construction and cement industries, noting that tyre-derived fuel (TDF) burns 25% hotter than coal, making it a highly energy-efficient alternative. Ärölä demonstrated how TDF contributes to both sustainability and operational efficiency, while also showcasing Tana’s advanced shredding solutions, which cleanly separate steel from tyres. This practical approach underscored how innovative technologies can transform waste materials into valuable energy sources.

Later, Paulo Mazzei from FCT Combustion introduced diverse decarbonization strategies, including calcined clays and hydrogen usage. These alternative energy sources hold tremendous potential for drastically reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

Fuel efficiency and plant optimization

On day two, delegates learned about innovative approaches to handling alternative fuels in cement plants, including the use of Beumer’s BG OptiFeed and RUNI‘s screw presses to optimize alternative fuel feeding and moisture reduction. Case studies from Lithuania, Poland, and Türkiye examined challenges like congested feeding points and moisture management, while Breedon Cement and Trie tackled kiln ball issues with machine learning and computational modelling. Intercem Engineering discussed the global push towards decarbonization, particularly in Asia, and the IFC shared insights into its Cement Decarbonization Tool.

The day concluded with in-depth discussions about solid recovered fuel (SRF) drying systems and their impact on increasing thermal substitution rates. As a fitting end to the conference, majority of the attendees participated in a field trip to Irish Cement‘s Platin plant, where they observed real-world applications of the discussed innovations. The team at Platin graciously hosted the visit, responding to an array of thoughtful questions from the well-informed attendees, ensuring that the conversations sparked at the conference carried over into practical, on-site learning.

A bright future for alternative fuels: Key takeaways and what’s next

The 17th Global CemFuels Conference & Exhibition proved to be an invaluable gathering for industry professionals, fostering dynamic informal networking opportunities that truly highlighted the strength of our community. Engaging discussions and meaningful connections underscored the importance of maintaining our presence in this evolving field. Our presentation on tyre-derived fuel applications not only garnered enthusiastic feedback but also sparked intrigue, reflecting the growing interest in sustainable practices.

Overall, the event showcased advancements in technology and highlighted the importance of continued innovation and cooperation in the alternative fuels landscape. Moving forward, Team Tana is eager to continue participating in these critical discussions and contributing to a brighter, cleaner future.