CEMEX, Manila Water Pioneer Use of Biosolids for Alternative Fuels

CEMEX Philippines and Manila Water Company signed a partnership allowing the use of biosolids as alternative fuels, a first in the Philippines and a major accomplishment in helping address climate change in alignment with the Philippine government’s priority thrust towards adaptation and resiliency.

Biosolids are organic materials coming from a sewage treatment process. Wastewater undergoes full treatment and clean water is discharged to rivers, and byproducts such as biosolids can be turned into a useful resource, such as alternative fuels. The use of biosolids as alternative fuels is an important step to sustainability and developing climate-friendly energy solutions that help address climate change.

The co-processing technology involves the use of a cement kiln, a furnace operating at extremely hot temperatures of around 1,500 degrees Celsius that guarantees the complete breakdown of waste and toxic substances. The technology eliminates residual waste, eventually reducing landfill space in the long term.

“This partnership is a significant step in making sure we maximize every opportunity to increase the use of alternative fuels, ensuring we are forerunners of circular economy and innovation,” said Luis Franco, CEMEX Philippines President CEO.

“Co-processing of these as alternative fuels to power our plants help reduce CO2 emissions in the atmosphere and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, which is aligned to CEMEX’s Future in Action program aimed at becoming a net-zero CO2 company by 2050,” Franco added.

CEMEX Philippines has been offering co-processing as a reliable and efficient waste management solution. Currently, there are more than 30 local government units and corporations working together with CEMEX in pursuing an innovative and effective waste management system in the Philippines. These partnerships have helped reduce waste that ends up in landfills or bodies of water.

 “As pioneers in the country of biosolids as alternative fuels, we have just signed what will now create the series of significant steps towards making circular economy a reality,” said Christer Gaudiano, CEMEX Philippines’ Sustainability and Public Affairs Director.

CEMEX is a leading global company in the construction materials industry that manufactures and distributes cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregates in more than 50 countries in America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

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