Emirates RDF helps cement plants save up to 30 % in fuel costs

High-quality alternative fuel helps cutting costs, managing waste and reducing CO2

“Fuel from waste helps cement plants save up to 30 % in fuel costs”

Environmentally friendly fuel will replace more than 200,000 tonnes of coal per year from the nine cement plants in the surrounding area.

“For the cement plants, this means substantial annual savings in fuel costs. The cost reduction can be up to 30% when plants are replacing fossil fuel with RDF”, says Griffin Middle East Managing Director Ashley Bryan. 

At the same time, the use of RDF helps the plants to decrease their CO2 emissions and contribute to the UAE’s strategic objective of CO2 reduction and landfill diversion. The UAE’s vision is to reduce carbon emission by 25 % by 2030 and also divert 75% of waste from landfill by 2021. 

Lean production model key for successful operations

The process lines in the plant are supplied by Finland based BMH Technology, one of the global leaders in waste recovering and refining solutions. 

“During the 15-year concession period, the factory will adopt a lean manufacturing approach, where central control room operations, multi-skilled workforce and efficient material flow are the backbone of the smoothly running process”, Ashley explains. 

When operating at full capacity, the plant can treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year and generate 300,000 tonnes of alternative fuel annually.  

The fuel from waste facility is shaping the future

The Emirates RDF plant project started with the need of finding a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. The project is based on the vision of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and was carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs of the UAE. Emirates RDF is a joint-venture of the contractors BESIX and Tech Group along with Finland based Griffin.

“The plant is an excellent example of a public–private partnership, which benefits both parties. Recycling waste to produce sustainable fuel is being achieved today and is an ideal replacement to fossil fuels”, Ashley explains.