In 2023 Cemex UK opened its new Alrewas Plant (Pyford Brook) where sand and gravel is excavated and processed through the new processing operation, and feeds into the new Alrewas Readymix Plant (on the same site), and also into our nearby Weeford Readymix Plant. The site currently has no mains power connection meaning we were running a diesel generator 24 hours a day.
In line with our Future in Action strategy to reduce our carbon footprint, the Operational Excellence team have introduced the use of renewable energy to the site by recently installing a 90kWh battery at the plant. The battery, along with solar panels, has reduced the night time generator usage by 68%. The installations aim to bring annual savings of over 75,000 litres of diesel, 200 tonnes of CO2 and £70,000 saved on fuel purchase, resulting in a return on investment of around 18 months.
The team will shortly be installing a second battery and solar unit at our Hamer Warren quarry, where we will be utilising the same renewable energy technology to reduce diesel consumption in our pumping activities on site.
Our VP for Corporate Affairs, Sustainability & ERM, Andy Spencer said: “This is a great project and an interesting Future in Action innovation that is attractive in both payback and CO2 reduction as well as being replicable across other operations that are not able to be connected to the electricity grid.
Congratulations to the team involved!”