Quinn Cement is aiming to further decrease its imported fossil fuel consumption by adopting the use of alternative fuels from local waste materials. These will be used to co-fuel cement production as part of its drive to make a significant contribution to more sustainable manufacturing processes. Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) has already been introduced into the manufacturing process and there is the potential for the company to reduces its annual coal usage by 50 per cent.
This success has led Quinn Cement to seek permission to further extend its alternative fuel licence. If successful, Quinn Cement will invest up to – 5 million in upgrading the plant to allow for the increased use of alternative fuels and alternative raw materials. This investment is predicted to benefit the local economy by creating further employment, both directly and indirectly. As well as increasing the workforce of the cement plant itself, Quinn Cement intends to source its supply of alter?native fuels and raw materials locally.