Feasibility study of commercial-scale CCS project on cement launched

Lehigh Cement (Lehigh) and the International CCS Knowledge Centre (Knowledge Centre) today announced a feasibility study of a commercial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project as a definitive solution to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The study targets the feasibility to capture the majority of the carbon dioxide (CO2) from the flue gas of Lehigh’s Edmonton, Alt., cement plant, significantly reducing its process and combustion GHG emissions. The study will encompass engineering designs, cost estimation (at an AACE Class 4) and a fulsome business case analysis.

It is a North American first in the cement industry to examine the feasibility of full-scale CCS as a definitive solution to cut GHG emissions. The feasibility study at Lehigh’s Edmonton plant is in advanced development, positioning it to be a world’s first to implement full-scale carbon capture in the cement industry. The study will target a 90-95 per cent CO2 capture rate, with the foundational learnings from the Boundary Dam 3 CCS Facility (BD3) – a world first in full-scale CCS (from a coal-fired power plant).

Lehigh and the Knowledge Centre will jointly conduct the study. The Knowledge Centre provides the experience-based knowledge needed to implement and optimize the operation of large-scale CCS, based on the lessons learned from both the fully-integrated BD3 and their work to reduce cost and risk through the advancement of second-generation CCS.

Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is investing $1.4 million in the feasibility study of CCS on an industrial cement facility. ERA invests the proceeds from the carbon price paid by emitters to develop and demonstrate innovative technology that reduces GHG emissions and strengthens the competitiveness of new and existing industries in Alberta.

“We are part of Heidelberg Cement Group’s vision of CO2 neutral concrete by 2050 and the potential of concrete to become the most sustainable building material. The Lehigh CCS study is a leading initiative for carbon capture in cement in Alberta and Heidelberg Cement’s commitments to lead global change for CCS in our industry,” said Joerg Nixdorf, president of Lehigh Hanson Canada Region.

“CCS is a proven and effective emission reduction technology, so it is exciting to be part of a full-scale CCS initiative that builds on learnings from the world renowned Boundary Dam 3 CCS Facility. With this study and global leaders like Lehigh, the application of CCS moves its value beyond coal into cement,” added Beth Hardy, vice-president of the International CCS Knowledge Centre.