DUBLIN—Irish Cement envisages the burning of scrap tires as a central part of the next phase of investment in its Limerick cement works, the company said recently.
The company's investment plan is focused on the replacement of fossil fuels with locally produced alternative fuels, manufactured from residual waste materials and will include used tires.
“Fossil fuel replacement in the cement industry began more than 35 years ago in Europe and this experience demonstrates the use of these alternative fuels has no negative impact on the emissions from the cement plants,” Irish Cement's release said.
The use of alternative fuels in the cement kilns helps to divert this waste from landfill, reduces the CO2 emissions and helps make better use of limited resources, the company added.
Irish Cement is preparing to lodge a planning application with Limerick County Council and will also be applying to Irish authorities for a review of its environmental license.