This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
On October 22, 2019, Bamburi Cement announced plans to increase its use of biomass energy in a bid to cut down on expensive fuels such as coal used in its production systems.
The cement manufacturer, led by managing director Saddiq Hassani, aims to nearly triple the usage of biomass energy in its production process to 30 percent from the current 12 percent by 2022.
As part of its strategy, Bamburi is counting on burning condemned cargo at Mombasa port in its kilns, as well as oil wastes from petrol stations, used tyres, and garbage in cities to produce more biomass for cement.
Mr. Hassani noted that this move will help diversify the source of biomass and grow the usage of the cheaper fuel, which in Uganda accounts for up to 70 percent of energy used in cement production.
“Getting biomass has not been as easy as in Uganda given our plant is located far from the current sources. We are now diversifying our sourcing so that we can rise its share in energy mix to above 30 percent by 2022,” said Mr. Hassani.
As part of its biomass sourcing efforts, Bamburi is working with the Kenya Ports Authority to burn condemned cargo in its kilns and has inked a deal with oil marketers and garages to receive used oil.
The firm has so far collected 1.5 million litres of used oil and expects to hit three million litres annually by bringing on board garage operators and big transport companies.
Coal costs about $5 per gigajoule (GJ) while biomass is at about $2 per GJ, meaning that Bamburi can save Sh3 million for every one million GJ of biomass used.
