Cemex enters joint venture to produce carbon neutral fuels at Rüdersdorf cement plant
The biochar plant, named ALCE, will be the first of its kind in Europe in terms of size, capacity, and strategic location in Cemex’s Rüdersdorf cement plant. This fully-automated facility will process and recycle organic waste into carbon-neutral alternative fuels, reducing the use of fossil fuels in cement production. Due to its potential to sequester CO2, Cemex is also testing the incorporation of biochar into its concrete mixtures to further reduce their carbon footprint.
"Rüdersdorf is one of the most modern cement plants in the world, and with this joint venture, we are making significant progress in transforming the plant into our first carbon-neutral cement facility by 2030," said Fernando A. González, CEO of Cemex. "This joint venture is another important milestone in achieving our ambitious 2030 decarbonization goals.”
The ALCE plant is expected to begin operations at the end of 2026.
In 2023, alternative fuels accounted for 37% of Cemex's fuel mix, setting a company record for the third consecutive year. Cemex's European plants have set the standard for alternative fuel consumption, reaching rates above 70% in Czech Republic, Germany, and the U.K., and above 90% in Poland.
This joint venture is part of Cemex's Future in Action program to build a more sustainable, circular future, with the primary objective of becoming a net-zero CO2 company by 2050. Since the launch of Future in Action, the company has achieved record-breaking CO2 reductions.
About Cemex
Cemex is a global construction materials company that is building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. Cemex is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through relentless innovation and industry-leading research and development. Cemex is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain and is pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels in its operations with the help of new technologies. Cemex offers cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanization solutions in growing markets around the world, powered by a multinational workforce focused on providing a superior customer experience enabled by digital technologies. For more information, please visit: www.cemex.com
About ALBA
ALBA is one of the leading environmental service providers and raw materials suppliers in Europe. The company achieves an annual turnover of around 1.3 billion euros and employs a total of 5,400 people who contribute to more climate protection and a cleaner environment every day. Their commitment lies in recycling paper, glass, plastics, biomass, steel, and metals. They save raw materials, energy, and CO2, positioning themselves as sustainability leaders. For more information about ALBA visit: www.alba.info