LafargeHolcim has confirmed plans to build three wind turbines to help power its cement plant in Paulding, Ohio. The move is part of a commitment to improving manufacturing operations, controlling costs and operating sustainability.
LafargeHolcim says the turbines are anticipated to generate more than 12 million kWh annually and should eliminate more than 9,000 annual tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The project stems from an agreement with One Energy and construction is scheduled to begin from December.
Jamie Gentoso, CEO of US cement operations, says: “The Paulding cement plant has been an anchor of this region for decades, producing high-quality cement and mineral components for our nation’s highways, roads, airports and national landmarks. Investing in new ways to operate our plants that provide a benefit for the environment is very important to us and the communities where we work.”
Jereme Kent, CEO and general manager of One Energy. “Ohio is one of three states that led the United States last year in new distributed wind capacity installed, and in the Ohio Valley, the use of wind energy is well accepted.”
In the local community, LafargeHolcim will create three $5,000 Megawatt Scholarships (one per turbine for a total of $15,000 annually) to be awarded each year the turbines are in operation.
The scholarships will be awarded annually to local high school graduates pursuing a two-year or four-year STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree. One Energy will pay $27,000 annually in local property taxes.
