Efforts to scale-up clean power in the cement industry just got brighter with the completion of Alamo Cement Co.’s new solar power system in San Antonio, Texas.
The 45-acre solar panel field is estimated to generate up to 15% of the plant’s yearly energy consumption while reducing emissions and electricity costs. In fact, full use of the system is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 8,000 tpy.
The company has made a significant investment in the renewable power project, which has the capacity to generate up to 17,800 MWh per year. It is the largest customer-owned solar power project in the CPS Energy service area, which includes Bexar County and portions of its seven surrounding counties.
As energy demands rise, the on-site power system also has the added benefit of reducing dependence on the local power grid, therefore alleviating stress on the electrical grid serving the San Antonio region.
“Alamo Cement is committed to furthering the cement industry’s goal of decarbonizing and this project is a major step in the right direction,” said Massimo Toso, president and CEO of Alamo Cement and president and CEO of Buzzi Unicem USA. “We continue to look for more opportunities to enhance sustainability in our operations, and plan to build on our experience from this San Antonio project and explore implementing additional renewable power systems within our group.”
