This focus area aims to analyze biomass waste flow in UK cement plants, assess its alternative uses, and compare the environmental impacts of current and potential waste biomass applications.

Background of this research
Substitution of fossil fuels by renewable biomass is a key strategy for decreasing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from energy-intensive processes, including cement manufacture. In a system-wide context, with competing demand from other sectors, the supply and benefits of biomass energy are both uncertain. Characterisation of quantities and qualities of different types of biomass waste at the point of generation rather than at the point of use can help direct them to the most beneficial use, for the reduction of GHG emissions and other negative environmental impacts.
Objectives for this research
(a) A Material Flow Analysis of biomass waste in U.K cement plants
(b) Assessment of alternative uses of waste biomass
(c) Comparison of the environmental impact of waste biomass currently used in U.K cement plants and their alternative uses
Publications
Dr Ramya Venkataraman. Assessing Waste biomass Availability for cement co-processing [Draft Paper]