The EU subsidizes an energy efficiency project for the Cemex factory in Alicante

The European Commission, within the framework of the ‘Innovation Fund Small Scale2021’ call, has approved a subsidy of 4.4 million euros for the Clyngas project, presented by Cemex for its Alicante factory.
The new facility will produce a synthesis gas (“syngas”) from different types of waste, for direct injection into the burner of the clinker kiln during the combustion process.
Clyngas will allow a significant reduction in absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, estimated at 406,960 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, during the first ten years of the project’s life.

Alicante, June 22, 2023.- The European Commission has decided to grant a subsidy for Cemex Spain’s Clyngas project for its Alicante factory, with funds from the ‘Innovation Fund Small Scale 2021’ program and call (Ref.InnovFund-2021- SSC, hereinafter ‘IFSS’). Last December, the company received communication of the favorable evaluation of the project and the corresponding proposal from the European Commission for the preparation of the grant agreement, the formalization of which has recently been completed with file number 101103371.

This is an innovative project that will replace part of the fuel used to manufacture clinker with a high-value gas, obtained through the gasification process of waste and byproducts from other industries. The subsidy, in the amount of 4.4 million euros, represents 100% of the maximum financeable amount of the project.

The Clyngas project uses pioneering technology to replace petroleum coke in the cement industry with synthesis gas (syngas) generated from fuels derived from waste in the kiln itself. WTEnergy participates in the project, a company that is part of the consortium that presented the initiative, and which is integrated into Cemex’s investment portfolio. Although gasification technology has already been used in other industries, the Clyngas project has been selected by the European Commission as ‘first-of-a-kind’ in the cement sector, highlighting “ “its strong innovative character, its reliability and the improvement it represents in the use of gasification technology.”

“This technology will expand the possibilities of using waste in the cement sector while allowing an increase in the level of substitution of fossil fuels. It will also achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, guaranteeing a stable process and high-quality production,” comments Francisco Iniesta, head of the project. Furthermore, he adds, “the technology that is going to be applied can become a decisive component in Cemex’s transition towards a low-carbon economy and, where appropriate, for the cement industry on a global scale.”

Pioneer project in the cement industry
With the start-up of Clyngas, it is expected to achieve a significant reduction in absolute GHG emissions, estimated at 406,960 tons of CO2 equivalent during the first ten years of the project’s life. The gasification process will increase and improve the combustion characteristics of waste-derived fuels (RDF) with high biomass content. In addition, it will reduce the use of fossil fuels and avoid depositing those in landfills and their associated emissions. At the same time, the increase in the use of alternative fuels is aligned with the company’s global strategy and program “Future in Action”, of which the circular economy is one of the six key pillars.

With its decision, the European Commission has considered Clyngas as a pioneering project of its kind, which offers enormous possibilities of reproduction in the cement industry of the European Union and, ultimately, on a global level. A project that is aligned and contributes to the achievement of climate objectives, strategies and plans at a global, European (European Green Deal, EU Policies and Regulations), national (Energy Transition Regulations, Strategic Agendas and Roadmap) level. ), regional (Regulations of the Valencian Community on Climate Change, Strategic Agenda and Integrated Plans) and local (Waste Management Plan of the Province of Alicante).

This project is part of the Future in Action roadmap, Cemex’s sustainability and decarbonization strategy through which it has achieved record progress in reducing its carbon footprint since its launch in 2020. The goal is to achieve the carbon neutrality in 2050 and to achieve this, Cemex is working on a multitude of initiatives to help achieve that goal.

About Cemex
Cemex is a global building materials company dedicated to building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. Cemex is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through constant innovation and leadership in research and development within the industry. Cemex is at the forefront of the circular economy within the construction value chain and promotes innovative processes with the use of advanced technologies to increase the use of waste and waste as raw materials and alternative fuels in its operations. Cemex offers cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urban solutions in fast-growing markets around the world, driven by a multinational workforce focused on delivering a superior customer experience, enabled by digital technologies. For more information, please visit www.cemex.es

“The CLYNGAS project has received funding from the European Union Innovation Fund program under grant agreement No 101103371. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Union Neither the European Union nor the authority granting the aid can be held responsible for them.”