Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has signed a cooperation agreement with Al-Safwa Cement Co of Saudi Arabia for the recycling of carbon ash and the use of oils and oil residues as an alternative fuel source.

Khalid bin Abdulrahman Al-Tuaimi, executive vice president Generation at SEC, said approval has been granted by the General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection.

This would reduce the full dependence of the cement factory on heavy fuel, thereby reducing dependence on oil, which is a key element of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to restructure the national economy, the company said.

Al-Tuaimi added: "The most important goal that we are looking for from the process of recycling carbon ash and utilising used oils and oil residues as an energy source is to implement SEC’s plans to apply accurate international standards in terms of environmental protection, social responsibility and maintaining safety and occupational health within its various efforts.”