Cemex Dominican Republic has announced the launch of a solar plant that will provide renewable energy for its cement plant in San Pedro de Macorís. The plant comprises 5040 panels with inverters that capture the sunlight and convert it into energy.
“The contribution represents 1.5 MW that will allow us to produce 2.2 million kWh per year, equivalent to the amount of energy consumed by 2000 homes,” explained Jesús García Cárdenas, Director of Operations at the plant.
This solar plant, which is Cemex’s first in the Caribbean, is in line with the group’s sustainability strategy, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations and mitigate their environmental impact. Cemex plans to continue to explore other sustainable energy solutions, such as wind and hydropower.
The IFC has signed an agreement with FICEM to encourage the adoption of clean technologies in Latin America’s cement industry and support the development of sustainable cities.
Julissa Baez, Executive Director, Dominican Cement Producers Association, Dominican Republic, provides an overview of the country’s cement industry, which has experienced significant growth over the last few decades.