Development of alternative fuel for cement industries: The case of Messebo cement factory in Ethiopia

Abstract

The cement industry is struggling with dwindling fossil fuel resources and environmental issues related to climate change. This sector is known for its high energy consumption and generates significant CO2 emissions, accounting for 19% of global thermal energy consumption and 7% of CO2 emissions. For this reason, Cement industries are seeking to replace traditional energy sources with alternative fuels. This study aims to investigate and optimize alternative fuels, evaluating their chemical and physical properties, energy output, production capacity, effect on clinker quality, and impact on combustion flue gas emissions. The study shows that the alternative fuels meet or exceed the minimum international standard of 14 MJ/kg for net calorific value. Therefore, they could replace up to 40% of South African coal in the clinker pre-calcining process. Using alternative fuels such as P. j wood, P. j leaf, P. j charcoal, used tire, and optimized fuels could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by 2%, 9%, 9%, 21%, and 17% respectively. Therefore, policy makers and companies should strongly consider adopting these recommended alternatives.

Keywords

• Cement factory
• Alternative fuel
• Fuel optimization
• Prosopis juliflora
• Used tire