Lehigh is currently developing a carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCU/S) solution at the Canadian plant, with the aim of capturing approximately 780,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually.
Captured emissions will be transported via pipeline and permanently sequestered by Enbridge. The project could be in service as early as 2025.
Edmonton is one of several cement plants throughout the world where HeidelbergCement is currently deploying and scaling up different technologies and solutions to substantially reduce CO2 emissions.
Dr. Dominik von Achten, chairman of the managing board of HeidelbergCement, says: “As carbon capture and storage plays a decisive role on our journey towards net zero emissions, creating the infrastructure needed to scale up the technology is a key strategic priority for us. Strong local partnerships for smart carbon hub solutions are essential for the successful implementation of the various ambitious CCU/S initiatives within HeidelbergCement.”
The company targets CO2 reductions of up to 10 million tonnes with several CCU/S projects already underway by 2030.
As part of the collaboration, Enbridge will apply to develop an open access carbon hub west of Edmonton. Once built, the Open Access Wabamun Carbon Hub is expected to offer a combined capture potential of nearly 4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Colin Gruending, Enbridge executive vice president, says: “Lehigh Cement’s pioneering CCU/S project is an exciting addition to our proposed Open Access Wabamun Carbon Hub, which is poised to support the decarbonisation of multiple industries, including power generation, oil and gas, and now cement. This collaboration demonstrates our focus on local, cost-effective, customer-focused carbon transportation and storage solutions that drive scale and competitiveness while minimising infrastructure footprint to protect land, water and the environment.”
