By Mark S. Kuhar Cemex and Synhelion report prospective scaling of a high-temperature process to industrially-viable levels, where solar energy supplants fossil fuel combustion. This marks a significant milestone in the companies’ journey toward the world’s first fully solar-powered cement plant. An early 2022 energy lab demonstration in Spain saw researchers leverage Synhelion devices and fuel conversion methods to successfully…
Read MoreDay: October 25, 2023
GCCA Touts On-Demand Environmental Product Declarations
The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and consultants WAP Sustainability have taken a major step toward greener construction for the industry, with the launch of on-demand Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for concrete producers in North America. The new EPD on-demand service will enable producers to quickly, accurately and cost effectively produce verified EPDs of their products. EPDs are becoming…
Read MoreThe Cement Industry In Latin America Is Facing Difficulties
By Mauro Nogarin Cement production in most Latin American countries has stagnated for two main reasons: inflation, which in some cases, such as in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, caused prices to rise. On the other hand, lower investment by governments in large public works also generated a reduction in cement consumption. BrazilThe instability of the Brazilian economy, marked by a…
Read MoreConstruction Starts Increase in August; Highways Surge
Total construction starts rose 6% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.3 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential starts rose 40% thanks to a large pickup in manufacturing and transportation buildings. Residential and nonbuilding starts fell 1% and 14%, respectively. Highway and bridge starts jumped 19%. Year-to-date through August 2023, total construction starts were 5% below…
Read MoreConstruction Spending in August Rises for Month, Year
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, construction spending during August 2023 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1,983.5 billion, 0.5% (±1.2%) above the revised July estimate of $1,973.7 billion. The August figure is 7.4% (±1.8%) above the August 2022 estimate of $1,847.3 billion. During the first eight months of this year, construction spending amounted to $1,284.7 billion,…
Read MoreBetter Bulk Handling
New, Efficient Solutions Can Help Cement Producers Adapt To Ever-Changing Circumstances. Edited by Mark S. Kuhar Dry bulk ports and terminals, such as those used by cement producers, are in a state of constant change. The materials they handle change and so, too, do the quantities. Operators are constantly having to adapt to new requirements. They want to automate their…
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