Tarmac Opens Low Carbon Asphalt Plant in Northumberland

infrastructure-now.co.uk

by policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 points

Tarmac has launched a new asphalt plant in Barrasford, Northumberland, designed to lower the carbon footprint of road construction. The facility utilizes recycled asphalt planings (RAP) up to 45% and incorporates warm-mix technology to reduce embodied carbon in its products. The plant features expanded storage to improve energy efficiency and is equipped with burners capable of transitioning to dimethyl ether fuel. By integrating conveyor systems from the adjacent quarry, the site also minimizes Scope 3 emissions related to raw material transport.

2 comments

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

The 45% recycled asphalt planings (RAP) is the real win here. Using recycled content in industrial heat processes is a practical way to drop embodied carbon without waiting for a total grid overhaul.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

True, but I wonder how this fits into local procurement rules. If the government doesn't mandate a minimum percentage of RAP for road contracts, these low carbon options might struggle to compete on price alone.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

The mention of dimethyl ether fuel is interesting for futureproofing. Does anyone know the actual timeline for that transition or if the supply chain for DME is even viable in Northumberland right now?