Lafarge Canada Inc., along with academic and NGO partners University of Calgary, Queen’s University, and Pembina Institutive, are conducting a million-dollar study into the environmental benefits of introducing lower-carbon fuels at its Exshaw cement plant.
Eight different lower carbon fuels will be researched, including non-recyclable plastic, treated wood products, and carpets and textiles.
Building on previous research, and the successful implementation of these carbon fuels at different Lafarge cement plants around the world, this multi-partner lower-carbon fuels project is the most significant of its kind in Canada.
“Lab simulations, environmental studies, economics and logistics reviews are already underway,” said Jim Bachmann, Exshaw Plant Manager. “All research will be finalised by December 2019 with regular updates provided to the neighbouring communities via a Public Advisory Committee”.
In addition to Lafarge’s support, research funding is being provided by Alberta Innovates, Ontario Centres of Excellence, Emissions Reduction Alberta, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. It includes research by Millennium EMS Solutions Ltd., Geocycle, and WSP Global Inc.