Alternative Fuels in Cement Production & Logistics
Alternative Fuels in Cement Kilns
The use of biomass and alternative fuels in cement kilns offers significantly higher environmental performance than traditional disposal methods such as landfilling or incineration. These fuels often originate from municipal, agricultural, and industrial waste streams, converting potential environmental liabilities into productive energy assets.
Alternative fuels help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, lower operational costs, and can decrease reliance on finite fossil fuel resources.
Additionally, CalPortland has successfully utilized a wide range of alternative fuel sources, including:
- Wood chips
- Pecan shells
- On-specification used oil
- Shredded rubber tires
By recovering the energy value of these materials in cement production, CalPortland eliminates waste while generating the heat required for clinker production reducing dependence on coal, petroleum coke, and other traditional fossil fuels.
This approach delivers multiple environmental benefits:
- Reduced landfill volumes and waste accumulation
- Lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions
- Conservation of nonrenewable natural resources
- Support for circular economy principles in industrial manufacturing
Spotlight: Oro Grande Cement Plant
As part of its long-term decarbonization strategy, CalPortland is advancing the use of alternative fuels in cement kiln operations to support its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. At the Oro Grande cement plant, the company has installed and commissioned a 10 ton-per-hour gravimetric alternative fuel injection system, capable of utilizing a range of fuels including biomass and tire-derived fuel (TDF).
By incorporating locally sourced construction and demolition (C&D) biomass fuels, the Oro Grande facility is projected to reduce fossil fuel consumption by approximately 17,000 tons in 2025, resulting in an estimated reduction of 40,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. Similar alternative fuel initiatives are currently underway at other CalPortland cement plants, further supporting the company’s commitment to sustainable operations.
Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence Through Energy Innovation
- Greater fuel diversification and resiliency
- Lower long-term environmental exposure
- Reduced volatility in fuel sourcing and pricing
- Meaningful progress toward carbon reduction goals
Advancing Sustainable Construction Through Clean Energy
Sustainability at CalPortland extends beyond manufacturing into transportation and logistics. To reduce emissions across our delivery network, CalPortland has commissioned:
- 118 Near-Zero Emission CNG/RNG concrete mixer trucks replacing conventional diesel vehicles in Southern California
- 24 CNG/RNG bulk cement transport trucks equipped with low-NOx engines
This fleet transition directly supports greenhouse gas (GHG) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction targets established by the California Legislature, the California Air Resources Board, and regional air quality agencies.
The move to compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG) engines provides both environmental and performance advantages:
- 20-80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to even “clean” diesel
- Immediate reductions in carbon, sulfur, NOx, and particulate matter emissions
- Vehicles operate up to 90% quieter, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution
- Domestically produced fuel decreases dependence on imported energy
- Lower maintenance costs and extended vehicle lifespan
- Minimal emissions during refueling, improving safety for operators and communities
Together, these benefits strengthen CalPortland’s commitment to cleaner air, lower carbon transportation, and sustainable logistics across the Western United States.
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