South Valley seeks alternative energy sources

Egypt-based producer South Valley Cement is seeking alternative energy sources as securing sufficient fuel to operate production facilities has become one of its key challenges.
 
Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, the company said it has prepared studies for the use of coal and agricultural wastes. However, company officials said the application of alternative energy sources suggested by the government will take at least 12 months.

South Valley Cement said it would require an investment of EGP140m (US$20m) to use coal as an energy source. “The use of coal will allow the company to reach 100 per cent of its production capacity,” a company spokesperson told Egypt Daily News.
 
The company has applied for licences for coal usage and agriculture waste and is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Environmental Affairs.
 
South Valley Cement is also currently seeking to increase its investment and double its production capacity. The expansions will include two mills and are expected to take 18 months. The company is targeting to increase its production capacity to reach 3.75Mt in three years. Expansion is expected to be carried out not only through the expansion of existing capacity but also through acquisitions, according to a Cairo Financial Holdings.