The Infrastructure Podcast: Episode 129

Guest:  Dr Diana Casey, executive director for cement, energy and climate at the Mineral Products Association

Cement - a critical UK resource

In today's episode we’re diving into cement – a material that underpins every road, every railway, every school, hospital, bridge, and home we build.

Because without it, the UK’s infrastructure ambitions would, quite literally, crumble!

My guest today is Dr Diana Casey, executive director for cement, energy and climate at the Mineral Products Association (MPA). As she knows only too well, cement may not grab headlines in the way that high-speed rail or offshore wind does, but it is the backbone of our built environment.

And right now, the UK faces a major challenge.

As the Labour government pushes ahead with its ambitious target to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, alongside a significant infrastructure pipeline, the question is simple — do we have the cement we need? And if not, where will it come from?

The Mineral Products Association, representing the UK’s cement producers, warns that domestic manufacturing has become increasingly uncompetitive in the face of high costs, leading to imports tripling over the past two decades. Relying on overseas supply exposes us to volatile global markets, supply chain disruption, and the risk of project delays.

It also means losing out on skilled, well-paid jobs in the regions where cement is made.

So, what needs to change to secure the UK’s cement future? And to secure it with the all important lower carbon footprint demanded by our net zero targets.

From a watertight Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to fairer public procurement, and from support for carbon capture technology to a clearer industrial strategy, the debate is as much about national security and economic resilience as it is about decarbonisation.

So let’s find out more.

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