Cement works fires up sustainable waste-derived fuel solution

Construction materials supplier Hope Construction Materials has commissioned bioenergy firm Saxlund International to install a system which provides storage, transportation, weighing and injection of Solid Waste Fuel (SWF) to the two kilns at the firm’s cement plant in Derbyshire.

“The completion of this multi-million pound project increases the amount of waste-derived fuels we use and forms part of the major investment we announced in January this year to boost efficiency  and improve sustainability at Hope Works,” said Hope Construction Materials’ projects engineer Richard Worthington.

The project incorporates a 350m3 fuel reception and ‘Push-Floor’ storage solution, which gives greater flexibility to handle changing fuel characteristics, even different types of waste-derived fuels, should suppliers change in the future. The installation is also designed with low maintenance and high availability in mind, with the emphasis at all times on minimising potential restrictions or blockages.

The aim is to increase the rate at which Hope can replace fossil fuels with waste-derived alternatives to more than 50%, a key part of the company’s long term sustainability targets.

Matt Drew, managing director Saxlund International, said: “This is a flagship project for us.  Once fully operational, the new solid waste fuel (SWF) system will run on a 24/7 basis delivering fuel at a rate of up to 5,000kg per hour to each kiln.

“It means Hope Works will soon be operating with a significantly larger proportion of waste-derived fuels, in the process diverting up to 80,000 tonnes of bulk solid waste from landfill each year and representing significant carbon savings to the business.”

edie staff