Cemex’s Alrewas Readymix Plant to save CO2

Global building materials supplier Cemex have launched a renewable energy project at their new Alrewas Readymix Plant in Staffordshire, UK.

The plant now uses a 90kWh battery and solar panels, aiming to save 200 tonnes of CO2.

As part of Cemex’s climate action programme, Future in Action, the Alrewas site installed a hybrid solar unit to cut CO2 emissions and reduce operational costs. Since opening in 2023, the site initially relied on diesel generators due to the lack of mains electricity. The introduction of renewable power units has already reduced night-time diesel generator usage by 68%.

Steven Coles, operational excellence manager for West Europe Materials, said: “Cemex is embracing new innovations to lower our carbon footprint. As we move towards net zero, we’re excited to design and use new technologies, like batteries and renewable energy. Our training with the Renewables Institute has equipped us to take on these projects. It’s empowering to see the progress we’ve made and to have more projects in the pipeline.”

Andy Spencer, VP for Corporate Affairs, Sustainability & ERM, added, “Our Future in Action programme is sparking creativity within our workforce. The renewables installation at Alrewas is not only cost-effective and environmentally beneficial but also replicable at other sites without grid connections. The future here is bright!”

Following the success at Alrewas, Cemex plans to install a similar battery and solar unit at its Hamer Warren quarry in Hampshire. This technology will help reduce diesel consumption during onsite pumping activities.

Cemex is at the forefront of the circular economy in construction, increasing the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. With a multinational workforce, Cemex provides cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanisation solutions in growing markets worldwide, driven by a commitment to sustainability and digital innovation.

Cemex’s Climate Action strategy, ‘Future in Action – Committed to Net Zero CO2,’ was announced in February 2020, with updated targets in November 2022.

By 2030, Cemex aims to:

- Reduce CO2 emissions to below 430kg per ton of cementitious material, a 47% reduction from the 1990 baseline.

- Lower the carbon content per cubic meter of concrete to 150kg, a 41% reduction.

- Achieve 65% clean electricity consumption.

- Cut Scope 3 transport emissions by 30%.

- Ensure Vertua lower-carbon products account for over 50% of cement and concrete sales by 2025.