Boral has confirmed it has secured funding from the New South Wales government to support its alternative fuel project at Berrima Cement Works.
The alternative fuel project is part of Boral’s plan to transition the kiln’s thermal energy source from coal to alternative fuels. The alternative fuel project is estimated to achieve around 60 per cent substitution of thermal energy. The alternative fuels are derived from waste material with high biomass content that would otherwise end up in landfill, with the project likely to divert around 73,000 tonnes of waste away from landfill.
The company has estimated that it will achieve significant reductions in Scope 1 emissions associated with cement manufacturing, around 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emission reductions over the term of its operational life.
“We are proud to receive this grant in support of our alternative fuel project, which marks a critical step towards decarbonisation and safeguarding the future of local cement manufacturing in Australia. Cement production is not only a cornerstone of our national infrastructure but a vital contributor to regional employment and economic resilience,” Boral chief executive officer and managing director Vik Bansal said.
“As the reformed safeguard mechanism introduces more stringent emissions reduction targets, it is imperative that trade-exposed industries like ours are equipped with practical, cost-effective pathways to decarbonisation to support thousands of jobs and the local industry’s serious risk from offshore competition, which has already seen major decline over the last two decades.
“It’s why we continue to advocate for a Carbon Border Adjustment mechanism to ensure an even playing field and avoid carbon leakage from imported products not subject to the same decarbonisation measures.”
According to Boral, around 35 per cent of Berrima’s Scope 1 emissions can be traced back to fuel combustion with the remainder being from the calcination process where limestone decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide during the clinker manufacturing process.
Boral’s funding was secured under the NSW Government’s High Emitting Industries Grant. The grant supports manufacturing and mining facilities to deploy decarbonisation projects and reduce emissions by 2030.
“The NSW Government’s grant signifies a vote of confidence on Boral’s decarbonisation and innovation efforts in sustaining local cement manufacturing capability during the transition to net zero,” Boral head of sustainability and innovation Dr Ali Nezhad said.
“This project will enable us to build technical and operational capabilities to sustainably achieve significant emissions reductions, ensuring that NSW’s only integrated cement facility remains competitive in a net zero future.
“We look forward to sharing our findings across the sector through industry workshops and conferences, helping to preserve and strengthen Australia’s domestic cement manufacturing capability for generations to come.”
