OUR ENERGY MIX
Balancing Traditional and Alternative Fuels to Achieve Sustainable Development
Cement manufacturing is energy intensive, requiring kiln temperatures of up to 3,000°F. To achieve this, Holcim uses traditional and alternative energy sources to produce cement. Traditionally, operations have been fueled by coal, petroleum coke and natural gas. Today, Holcim plants across the country also use alternative fuels such as used auto tires and recycled materials like paper and cardboard from local industries to reduce the impact of our emissions. The benefits of using these alternative fuels are vast. Alternative fuels can be completely destroyed without leaving any leftover residue, while reducing emissions from CO2, sulfur and nitrogen.
Alternative Fuels Can Help Lower Our Carbon Footprint
Communities and businesses across the U.S. are grappling with ways to manage waste. Items such as used tires, plastics, textiles, carpet, upholstery and off-spec products all too often find their way into landfills, oceans and groundwater. But that doesn’t have to be our story. Some of these materials can and are being beneficially reused as alternative fuels.
The Benefits of Using Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials
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Completely destroys materials with virtually no leftover residue
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Can reduce emissions from CO2, sulfur, and nitrogen
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Provides a sustainable waste disposal solution
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Conserves conventional fuels
From the limestone quarry to the delivery of the end product, follow every step in the cement manufacturing process by clicking here.
Geocycle US, Holcim Alpena Cement Plant to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to circular economy
On May 16, 2022, Holcim Alpena Cement Plant, Geocycle US and the State of Michigan held a groundbreaking ceremony for a Tire Derived Fuel co-processing platform.
The project, which is also supported by a grant from the State of Michigan, will enable the cement plant to sustainably co-process tire-derived fuel. As a result, the plant will reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and other natural resources.
On June 1, 2023, Holcim announced the opening of the new tire-derived fuel facility. Click here to read the full press release:
Holcim Alpena Cement Plant Opens New Tire-Derived Fuel Facility
From left to right: Michigan State Senator, Jim Stamas, Michigan State Representative, Sue Allor; Alpena Plant Manager, Jeff Scott; Michigan Public Service Commissioner, Dan Scripps; Head of Geocycle North America Sophie Wu; Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Sustainable Materials Management Unit, Jeff Spencer