Cemex have permission to continue burning climafuel and replacing fossil fuels in their Rugby cement works.

However, local campaigners claim the scheme will pollute a local water course something Cemex denies.

Cemex had to carry out extensive tests to show climafuel, made from household waste after removing recyclable materials, could be safely used as a substitute for coal.

The trials included using climafuel in combination with the shredded waste tyres that the cement works is already permitted to burn.

Cemex also had to consult with the public on the results of the trials before submitting a report to the Environment Agency.

A spokesman for the EA said: “On the basis of the trials we’re satisfied climafuel can be used at the Cemex Rugby cement works without harmful effects on the environment or human health.

“As well as reducing fossil fuel use, it has been shown to have a beneficial effect on emissions of oxides of nitrogen, which were reduced by up to 30%.

“We have therefore allowed its use to continue at a rate of up to 15 tonnes per hour, which represents up to 30% of the total heat input to the cement kiln system.”

Cemex have also applied for a variation to their environmental permit to increase the use of climafuel to up to 65% of total heat input to the kiln at their Rugby plant, which is the maximum possible level of substitution for conventional fuels.

If the Environment Agency decides to grant this variation, Cemex will have to carry out further trials to show that this is also safe before we give permission to operate at the higher rate permanently.

Luke Walsh

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