The Dominican Association of Portland Cement Producers, ADOCEM, voiced its concern about reforms to Law 225-20, currently under debate in the country’s Chamber of Deputies.
Julissa Báez, executive director of ADOCEM, explained that the reform introduces a mandatory minimum of 30 per cent in the use of fuels derived from waste in cement kilns.
However, she warned that this requirement does not consider the technical conditions of the country or the current capacity of companies to comply with the measure. While the organisation promotes co-processing, it also highlights that not all waste is suitable and that imposing a fixed percentage could affect the quality and economic viability of the sector.
“Co-processing is a sustainable strategy, but its implementation requires infrastructure, adequate regulations and a progressive process,” emphasized Báez. As there is no infrastructure to replace fossil fuels to this extent, the domestic cement industry would find itself in a permanent state of legal non-compliance.
Moreover, the requirement to co-process refuse-derived waste could generate a monopoly in waste management. This could affect the production costs of cement and therefore, its price in the market, she added.
