Europe & CIS

Permission has been grated to extract from the large coal deposits in the North Sea via Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) technology.

Chinese cement companies have signed up to the Cement Sustainability Initiative; marking an important step towards global recognition of sustainable development within the industry.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending CZK2 billion (approximately €73 million) to the Municipality of Plzen (West Bohemia) to implement priority urban regeneration schemes identified in the city’s 2004 Development Plan.

Throughout 2009, the role that industry plays in climate change mitigation has been discussed at the various UNFCCC-organised meetings, to prepare the ground for the negotiations on a new global climate agreement at the COP15 meeting in Copenhagen in December. As COP15 begins, the CSI outlines its blueprint for progress.

The first industry-specific technology roadmap produced by the International Energy Agency focuses on the cement industry. It provides an ambitious vision for emissions reductions up to 2050. The report identifies the requirement for increased R&D commitment and investment, particularly in carbon capture and storage technologies, and the need for a clear policy framework.

This editorial is taken from Eurobrief 181, issued by CEMBUREAU. It reflects the mood of the European cement industry in the run-up to COP15.

Titan Cement and Cimpor have issued statements relating to their financial results for the first nine months and third quarter of 2009.

FLSmidth & Co. A/S has published its results for the first nine months of this year. Figures show that the global economic downturn has had a significant impact on the Group’s earnings, but some signs of improvement are beginning to be felt.

KHD has had a difficult year, but Q3 results show the beginnings of improvement, particularly in the company’s balance sheet. The outlook is cautiously optimistic in the long term.

Aggregate Industries, UK, plans to submit a proposal to Somerset County Council, seeking permission for a project that will allow it to continue work at the Torr Quarry, Somerset, until 2040.

The remains of the Thecodontosaurus Antiquus found entombed in limestone rock in Bristol quarry are to be excavated and reconstructed.

Together with Bouygues Construction, Lafarge has developed and tested the first new product of the range: Thermedia 0.6 B. The product has already been used in several social housing sites, with great success.

Poland and Spain have signed an emissions trading agreement that will see Poland selling its AAUs in exchange for funding that will support the country’s GhG mitigations schemes.

Q3 results indicate the downward trend of the year-to-date continues, although the decline is slowing. Both groups have made efforts to improve operating efficiency and reduce debt.

The world’s population is expected to grow by 40% over the next 50 years, and 80% of people will be living in the developing countries. Some 70% will be living in cities.