Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
The federal government is collaborating with Heidelberg Materials to finalize an agreement on funding for the company’s carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) plant in Edmonton, North America’s first commercial full-scale carbon capture, utilization and storage system in the cement industry.
This initiative builds on a 2023 memorandum of understanding between the Government of Canada and Heidelberg Materials, aiming to provide up to $275 million in funding for a groundbreaking demonstration plant – the first of its kind in North America’s cement industry. The government has already committed $49 million for the first phase of the project.
“We are proud to reach this key milestone in our pioneering project, which began in 2019. We deeply appreciate the support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and the City of Edmonton,” said Chris Ward, President and CEO, Heidelberg Materials North America. “We look forward to continued collaboration with all stakeholders as we work toward a net-zero future and the decarbonization of the cement industry.”
The second phase of funding, up to $226 million, will support the establishment of North America’s first commercial full-scale CCUS system for the cement industry, along with a combined heat and power system (CHP) at Heidelberg’s Edmonton facility. This funding is made available through the Strategic Innovation Fund, pending a final investment decision before April 30.
The CCUS system will allow Heidelberg to produce carbon-neutral cement by capturing and compressing carbon dioxide (CO2), which will then be transported and permanently stored. This technology has the potential to cut GHG emissions by up to one million tonnes annually, equivalent to removing more than 300,000 cars from the road each year. The project will also create and sustain over 1,900 full-time jobs in Alberta and generate significant economic opportunities for local suppliers.
Canada’s commitment to this project positions the country as a leader in low-carbon cement production, further supporting its efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The Government of Canada and the cement industry are aligned in their commitment to the Roadmap to Net-Zero Carbon Concrete by 2050, which aims to reduce pollution and foster a sustainable economy.
“The Government of Alberta is excited that Heidelberg has selected Edmonton for the world’s largest commercial carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration cement plant. Alberta’s CCUS framework and opportunities are second to none, and we’re thrilled to partner with Heidelberg and the Government of Canada to make these groundbreaking innovations a reality,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a statement.
Heidelberg Materials has been operating in Canada since 1993, with locations in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. The company is a leading producer of cement products across North America, with a wide range of activities including cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt, and other related products.
