German cement industry raises waste-derived fuel use

The cement industry in Germany continued to increase its use of waste-derived fuels as an energy source last year. According to figures published by the industry association VDZ (Verein Deutscher Zementwerke), the share of waste-derived fuels in total fuel use stood at 61 per cent in 2010, up from 58 per cent in 2009 and 54 per cent in 2008. In absolute terms, the amount of waste-derived fuels used was also on the rise, growing from 2.80 million tonnes in 2009 to 2.91 million tonnes in 2010, while cement production declined in the same period.