ACC begins preliminary coal usage, Egypt

Egypt-based Arabian Cement has started testing coal at its cement plant as part of plans to secure alternative energy sources.

In April, the government approved the use of coal for energy production in the hope that it would prevent any further weakening of output levels due to energy restrictions.

In addition, ACC has been making strides with the use of other energy sources. “The company has already completed the first phase of its plan for converting solid waste, which currently provides nine per cent of the thermal power for its plants,” a company administrative official told Daily News Egypt. “The second phase is expected to be completed this year, and will allow for 30 per cent of the company’s thermal power needs to be produced from solid wastes.”

In 2013, the company produced 4.3Mt compared to 4Mt the year before.

The company, which is Egypt’s third largest cement producer and was recently listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange, is looking to raise production capacity by adding two new cement production lines, according to the official.