Priority given to reducing production costs
Increased global competition is compelling our industry to achieve further cuts in production costs and optimize the use of thermal and electrical energy in cement production. At the same time, production needs to be streamlined and help to enable the latest technologies to achieve breakthroughs. Holcim's strategy of promoting the use of alternative fuels has a key part to play in this area by saving on expensive fossil fuels, conserving natural resources and making a major contribution to cutting CO2 emissions. In newly industrializing countries, sustainable waste disposal is one of the biggest challenges facing society. This is an area in which Holcim can make an important contribution with innovative technical solutions.

With electricity prices rising, investing in renewable energy sources is even more attractive, which in Holcim's case include wind power, biomass energy and waste heat recovery. These technologies are aimed at optimizing the range of energy sources, cutting costs and achieving emission reduction targets. Several cement plants in Group region Asia Pacific currently plan to install systems for the recovery of waste kiln heat by means of special boilers that produce steam and drive turbines or generators. The electricity generated in this way can be used directly in the plant.

Further improvements in plant reliability
The Group's central research and development activities also focus on continuous improvement of the critical mechanical components in our manufacturing plants. The aim is to improve the reliability of the components used in the production process and reduce investment costs. One example of the innovative solutions applied in this area is a newly developed kiln drive system which minimizes drive damage and hence lengthy downtime. This new type of drive makes it possible to eliminate problems relating to changes in axle base and tumbling motion. At the same time, lubrication is more reliable, extending the life cycle of this system component. This drive concept is currently being installed at several plant sites within the Group.