Cement Australia Plans to Use Sustainable Fuels

The article is written by Kelsey Reid.

It is about the Energy Industry.

It was published on Mon 1 Jun 2026 at 7:14am.

Cement Australia is updating its kiln to use alternative fuels like wood.

Here is a short summary:

Cement Australia will change a coal-fired kiln to use alternative fuels like used tires and wood waste.

But some people are worried that using wood from native forests could harm the environment.

Here is what happens next:

The upgrade at the Railton kiln in Tasmania is happening now and will be done by the third quarter of 2026.

One of the biggest cement factories in Australia is closed for 45 days to get a $108 million upgrade.

The factory will stop using so much fossil fuel, but some people are not sure if the wood used will come from plantations or native forests.

The factory is one of the biggest cement makers in the country.

Some people do not like the plan to use wood because it could make more bad emissions.

The company started using alternative fuels in 2008 and now they make up 15% of the fuel used.

Cement Australia is a big part of the construction materials industry.

The project was approved with strict rules about emissions.

The kiln has been working for over 100 years.

It started in 1922 and has about 130 employees.

In 2024, the government gave $53 million to help the kiln use alternative fuels.

The money will help big factories reduce their carbon footprint.

The company did not say if the wood would come from plantations or native forests.

By using alternative fuels, the company hopes to reduce coal use and carbon emissions.

Last month, the EPA said the project could go ahead, but with some conditions.

The conditions are about air pollution, noise, and vehicle movements.

The company makes 1.4 million tons of cement every year.

The company wants to use 50% alternative fuels.

Tasmania makes a lot of waste from used tires and logging.

Biomass waste can come from many sources, including forest residue and defective wood.

The kiln needs to be changed to work better with alternative fuels.

The kiln is closed every two years for maintenance and upgrades.

After this upgrade, the company will start using new fuels.

Used tires can also be used in the upgraded kiln.

Some people think the wood will come from native forests.

There is opposition to the project because of concerns about emissions.

A senator said the project is a mistake and will harm the environment.

The senator said the project will lock in high emissions and harm native forests.

The funding is seen as a subsidy for the native forest logging industry.

The company should not use native forests, or it will harm its reputation.

There is a lack of transparency about where the wood will come from.

The CEO of the Tasmanian Conservation Trust said there should have been more public consultation.

If the company needs a lot of wood, it could increase logging and harm the environment.

The company did not answer questions about where the wood will come from.

The company said the wood would come from certified sustainable forests, including plantations.

The region is happy about the investment.

The mayor of Kentish Council welcomed the investment and said it will help the plant keep running.

The council approved the planning application for the project.

The company has been working with the council since last year.

The council is happy with the environmental and climate plans.

More news from Tasmania is available.

Other topics include State and Territory Parliament.

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