Oman Cement, be’ah sign agreement
Muscat – Oman Environmental Services Holding Co (be’ah) and Oman Cement Co (OCC) announced a collaboration agreement in the field of waste management, energy recovery and diversification of fuel to advance economic growth and promote sustainability.
The agreement, in the form of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), was signed by the CEO of be’ah, Eng Tariq Ali al Amri, and Eng Salim Abdullah al Hajri, CEO of OCC.
The MoU formalises the scope of collaboration between be’ah and OCC to utilise end-oflife-tires (ELT) as an alternative fuel [along with natural gas] in OCC’s kiln to produce cement.
Amri said, “This agreement reflects be’ah’s strategy in waste diversion and promoting circular economy and sustainable waste management practices. Be’ah aims to recover the maximum value of discarded materials such as ELT which can be utilised in energy production and other industries. The agreement con- tributes in be’ah’s vision in conserving the environment of Oman for future generation”.
Similarly, OCC is looking to diversify and utilise more efficient sources of energy and reduce reliance on natural gas.
Hajri said, “The project will meet OCC’s plans for diversification of energy sources by using tire derived fuel (TDF) and other waste as a fuel source in cement kilns, leading to several benefits such as protecting the environ- ment, increasing production capacity, and saving energy.”
It is estimated that around 45,000 tons of ELT are generated in the sultanate annually. The number is expected to increase due to urbanisation and the increase of population, which increases the demand on tires. ELT tires are considered to be a threat to the environment as it could be a cause of sudden fires which generate emissions if not managed properly.
Be’ah has floated investment opportunities for the private sector to develop and establish ELT tires processing facilities as part of be’ah’s strategy in supporting the national economy. ELT can be utilised for the extraction of rubber, steel, fibres and reclaimed into many things such as asphalt pavement. Furthermore, be’ah is supporting SMEs in the collection and transportation of ELT in an environmentally safe manner.