Leading global leaders and specialists from the cement industry were in Dubai recently for the annual World Cement Association’s conference where they discussed the sector’s most pressing issues including the widespread overcapacity and the transition to a net-zero carbon future.

 

Held under the theme 'Improving Profitability in a Time of Multiple Global Crises,' the WCA annual conference provided a forum for open discussions, where industry leaders and stakeholders discussed a range of topics such as how to develop and execute a successful M&A strategy, ways to overcome the barriers to increase the use of alternative fuels, and the changing needs of customers.

 

Additionally, the conference explored the role decarbonisation can play in addressing the issue of overcapacity. 

 

Delegates highlighted Europe as a region with significant profitability potential, where advanced carbon regulations and the substantial capital costs of CCS are changing industry dynamics in unexpected ways.

 

In their address, the speakers discussed the opportunity to supply carbon to a post-fossil carbon chemical industry when current hydrocarbon feedstock is no longer available. They also explored the short-term potential for closer integration with steel and power generation sectors to enhance the utilisation of slag and fly ash. 

 

Furthermore, delegates examined the current and potential impact of carbon trading systems, and expressed optimism that these systems are improving in design and will help the industry in reaching a profitable and sustainable future. 

 

WCA Chief Executive Officer Ian Riley lauded the particpants for the productive and collaborative discussions that took place during the conference with many delegates highlighting the engaging and informative nature of the event.

 

"It was wonderful to hear about all the successful initiatives and solutions being presented, which I believe will help the industry address some of its most pressing challenges today," he added.

 

The WCA later presented its inaugural awards and celebrated the work of several award winners. 

 

The WCA Climate Action Award was won by Cemindo Gemilang Bayah Cement Plant, recognising its multi-year efforts to employ various strategies for cost and carbon emissions reduction, including energy efficiency improvements, using alternative fuels, and clinker factor reduction. 

 

The WCA Health and Safety Award was granted to Pretoria Portland Cement's "Quality in Safety" programme, thus promoting culture and behaviour change, safety competence development, risk assessment, hazard identification, and contractor management.

 

The WCA Innovation Award was presented to Huaxin Cement’s Huangshi Plant for being the first to consume over 2,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily, leading to a one-third reduction in coal consumption and a 15% decrease in carbon emissions. 

 

Moreover, the plant repurposes waste to produce high-value potassium salts and low-carbon wall blocks.

 

CNBM Southern Cement’s Shanya Plant was awarded the WCA Model Plant Award for achieving exceptionally low heat and power consumption, excellent clinker quality, and the implementation of the ‘intelligent plant’ concept, which includes advanced control systems, an intelligent laboratory, and enhanced safety management.

 

Lauding the winners, WCA Chief Executive Officer Ian Riley said the WCA conference was a big success, thanks to the productive and collaborative discussions that took place during two-day event.

 

Many delegates highlighted the engaging and informative nature of the event.

 

"It was wonderful to hear about all the successful initiatives and solutions being presented, which I believe will help the industry address some of its most pressing challenges today," he added.-TradeArabia News Service