PT Semen Gresik joins hands with Sindicum Carbon Capital (SCC), a London-based clean development mechanism project, to develop the use of alternative fuel in the company’s cement factory in Tuban, East Java.

President Director of PT Semen Gresik (SG) Dwi Soetjipto revealed the use of renewable energy, such as bio-mass from paddy and hay, was part of the cement company’s strategic plan to create efficiency and be environment-friendly.

According to him, the measure was also part of the implementation of clean development mechanism (CDM) project, in which SG joins hands with SCC.

"SCC has competency in fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide emission reduction. The reduction of carbon dioxide [which can create glass house effect] is projected at 30,000 tons for a start," he said during a visit to Tuban cement factory last weekend.

PT SG operates three cement factories in Tuban. In 2008, the total production volume reached 8.8Mt. For this year, the total production volume is projected at 9Mt.

According to him, the first unit since last year had been substituted with paddy hull and kretek cigarette industry wastes to reduce the use of coal.