With funding from ERA through the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund, Heidelberg Materials North America and Lafarge Canada are making significant advancements in sustainability in Alberta’s cement sector.
These two multi-national organizations recently commissioned low-carbon fuels projects in the province that represent a shift toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the emissions-intensive cement sector, while promoting waste diversion and alternative energy innovation.
At its Edmonton cement plant, Heidelberg Materials has deployed leading-edge technology to replace up to 50 per cent of its fossil fuel usage with alternative low carbon fuels. Sourced from municipal, construction, and demolition waste, these fuels include biomass and non-recyclable plastics. By diverting approximately 100 kilotons of waste annually, the facility reduces direct GHG emissions and mitigates methane emissions from landfills.
“The advancements at our Edmonton Cement Plant reflect our leadership in environmental responsibility and our commitment to lowering our carbon footprint through innovative and efficient utilization of low carbon fuel sources,” said Joerg Nixdorf, Vice- President, Cement Operations, Northwest Region, Heidelberg Materials North America.
ERA’s $2.4 investment in the project enabled the plant to install advanced systems to ensure consistent feedstock quality and combustion efficiency. Additionally, using biomass substitutes renewable carbon sources for traditional fuels, further lowering the plant’s carbon footprint.
Supported by a $10 million investment from ERA, Lafarge Canada recently opened its $38 million Low-Carbon Fuel facility in Exshaw. This initiative will replace up to 50 per cent of the natural gas used in its kilns with energy derived from waste products that traditionally end up in landfills. It is projected that the facility will divert 120,000 tonnes of waste annually from landfills, reducing CO2 emissions by 30,000 tonnes.
“This project is a prime example of how innovation and collaboration can drive positive change, lowering our environmental footprint through the use of waste biomass materials while closing the material loop to conserve natural resources,” said Brad Kohl, President and CEO, Lafarge Canada (West).
Geocycle Canada, a member of Holcim Group, processes construction and demolition waste, primarily wood, into low-carbon fuels. The facility also works with partners like ECCO Recycling to obtain sustainable feedstock, bolstering Alberta’s waste management and emissions goals.