Calusco d'Adda Cement Plant
| This article is part of the Global Cement and Concrete Tracker, a project of Global Energy Monitor. |
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Background
Between 2003 and 2004, the Calusco d'Adda plant underwent significant renovations, enhancing its performance and sustainability. These upgrades included the construction of a new raw milling process building and the installation of advanced equipment to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. In 2006 a 10 kilometers long underground belt was contructed to connects the Colle Pedrino quarry with the plant. The belt allowed raw materials to reach the cement plant without resorting to any road transport. In 2008, the plant began trialing the use of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) as a partial substitute for traditional fuels like petroleum coke. This initiative aimed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions. By 2014, the plant increased its RDF usage to 30,000 tonnes annually, with plans to further elevate this to 110,000 tonnes per year, incorporating materials such as plastic and rubber residues, end-of-life tires, and various biomass sources. The shift to alternative fuels led to increased emissions of certain pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and heavy metals. This prompted local community groups to express concerns about potential health impacts, leading to calls for comprehensive environmental and epidemiological studies in the surrounding areas.
