Adelaide University researchers study waste-derived fuels for cement

Researchers at Adelaide University have conducted a systematic review of global research regarding the use of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in cement manufacturing. The study, published in the International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, explores how RDF can assist in industrial decarbonisation and more sustainable waste management.

Cement production is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions and currently relies heavily on coal and other fossil fuels to reach the high temperatures required for manufacturing. By processing combustible waste that cannot be recycled into RDF, industries can engage in co-processing, using waste-derived fuel alongside traditional fuels in cement kilns.

The research team, led by PhD candidate Geethmi Thisakya, reviewed 211 scholarly articles published between 1991 and July 2025. While the findings indicate growing global interest in this method to reduce landfill use and fossil fuel dependence, the researchers noted that successful implementation requires consistent fuel quality, clear regulatory frameworks, and more robust evidence regarding environmental and economic impacts.