Mantra to construct an ERC pilot facility at Lafarge’s Richmond plant

Mantra Energy Alternatives and NORAM Engineering and BC Research Inc. have signed an official contract for the construction and commissioning of a pilot facility for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ERC) at Lafarge’s Richmond plant in British Columbia. The procurement of custom-built equipment is expected to begin shortly, alongside the completion of the final engineering. The first phase of engineering for the pilot plant was completed in October 2013.

"We are now in a position not only to complete the engineering, but also to simultaneously begin procurement and to begin construction as soon as possible," said Mantra President, Larry Kristof. "NORAM and BCRI have done incredible work thus far and we are very pleased to have them engaged to complete the project."

ERC (electro-reduction of carbon dioxide) is a form of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) that converts carbon dioxide into useful, valuable products including formic acid and formate salts. By utilising clean electricity, the process offers the potential for an industrial plant to reduce emissions while generating a usable product and a profit. The pilot plant will convert 100 kg/d of CO₂ emitted from the Lafarge plant into concentrated formate salts, which sell for around US$1500/t. Mantra expects that future plant expansion will see the production of formic acid and other products as well.

"This will be the first pilot plant of its kind in the world," said Patrick Dodd, VP of Corporate Development. "It will be a useful tool that we can adapt in the future to produce a range of different products from carbon dioxide."

Edited from various sources by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/25032014/mantra_to_construct_an_erc_facility_at_lafarges_richmond_plant_942/