Alternative fuels
Part of a Lower Carbon Future
Irish Cement’s carbon reduction strategy involves multi-million-euro investments in the process technology required to substitute a proportion of fossil fuels with Alternative Fuels.
The benefit of alternative fuels is reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the carbon content of traditional fossil fuels. The biomass fraction of alternative fuels is considered renewable and CO2-free.
In addition, the use of alternative fuels contributing positively to the Government’s National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy. The use of the cement kiln is considered the most efficient energy recovery option and diverts waste from landfill.
At Irish Cement, alternative fuels are fully combusted in our kilns with high temperatures and long residence times.
Using Waste as Fuel
Types of Alternative Fuel
Solid Recovered Fuel - SRF
SRF is a manufactured alternative fuel that is produced to specific cement manufacturing specifications from non‑hazardous, non‑recyclable waste that would otherwise go to landfill. This material has been successful co processed in our Kilns since 2013 and reduced our fossil fuel input into our kiln by more than 70% in our Platin plant. Co-processing within cement kilns provides a sustainable alternative to traditional waste disposal methods such as landfill.
Meat and Bonemeal - MBM
Meat and Bone Meal (MBM), which has been successfully introduced at our sites since 2024. MBM offers a reliable, high-calorific fuel derived from locally sourced materials, contributing both to Ireland’s circular economy and to greater energy security. By displacing fossil fuels in the cement kiln, MBM helps to lower net carbon emissions while maintaining the consistent, high-temperature conditions essential for cement production. Co-processing fully integrates materials like MBM into the cement manufacturing process, leaving no residual ash or by-products.
Secondary Liquid Fuel - SLF
By integrating Secondary Liquid Fuels (SLF), including carefully processed waste solvents, into its cement production process, Platin is maximising the value of materials that would otherwise require disposal. Since commencing the use of solvents at Platin in 2023, the plant has successfully reduced its reliance on traditional fossil fuels, supporting both climate action targets and enhanced energy resilience. This approach ensures that locally sourced, high-quality alternative fuels are utilised efficiently within the kiln, where their energy content is fully recovered under strictly controlled conditions, while contributing to consistent and reliable cement production.