Large Slovenian cement producer received a sustainability reward

Salonit Ahnovo, a Slovenian cement producer, was prized with a bronze Sustainable Energy Award by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The prize was awarded for Salonit’s green initiative to use a non-hazardous solid recovered waste in its energy mix.

In December 2016 the EBRD provided the company with a EUR 15 million loan, which supported the cement plant in the implementation of this major sustainable project. Thanks to the financing, Salonit is changing the composition of its fuel with a share of up to 75 per cent for non-hazardous solid recovered waste. The investment will also optimize the company’s operational costs.

The new system, introduced by the cement producer, will allow the plant to increase levels of alternative fuel substitution from the current level of about 60 per cent to over 75 per cent. As a result, CO2 savings of more than 10 000 tonnes are expected to be made per year.

Thus, the facility in Anhovo will achieve a carbon emission intensity factor of 0.737 kg CO2/kg clinker, which is substantially below the relevant EU benchmark, EBRD emphasized.

"We are very pleased to recognize Salonit Anhovo’s foray into alternative fuel with this award. This is an excellent example of how an innovative, tailor-made solution can benefit both finances and the environment.

This investment will bring significant cost savings, contribute to the operational restructuring and support the resource efficiency of Salonit Anhovo by increasing the use of alternative fuel in the energy mix", EBRD Director Prasek said.

"In Slovenia, half of all constructions are built with cement from Salonit Anhovo. The production of cement is very energy intense. Our development team has designed this innovative solution on the basis of 30 years of experience with the use of waste as a fuel in a continuous investment cycle.

Although the business environment is demanding and administrative processes are long and complex, we were able to implement a highly advanced production line.

The results are an encouragement to continue with innovation towards sustainable cement production in a circular economy", Julijan Fortunat, Chairman of the Board of Salonit Anhovo, added.