Richmond aims to be most carbon efficient cement plant in Canada
Published by Lucy Stewardson,
Editorial Assistant
World Cement,
Lafarge Canada’s Richmond cement plant has launched a new and improved lower carbon fuel system to reduce the greenhouse emissions associated with the production of cement. The initiative aims to make the facility the most carbon efficient cement plant in Canada. It will also help minimise landfill waste, specifically non-recyclable plastics that are creating a backlog for municipalities across Canada.
Lafarge’s newly commissioned fuel handling and delivery system is expected to replace up to 50% of the plant’s fossil fuel use with lower carbon fuels. This rate of substitution could result in a 20% reduction of combustion emissions. The project cost CAN$28 million. Lafarge received CAN$14 million in funding support from the British Colombia Ministry of Environment.
The lower carbon fuel that is used by the plant is comprised of primarily non-recyclable waste byproducts; this is waste that does not have an existing or economically viable recycling outlet and is bound for landfills. It allows Lafarge to divert approximately 100 000 tpy of waste from local landfills. This is the equivalent of about 8300 loaded bin lorries.
“Lafarge is aligned with Metro Vancouver’s sustainability goals for recovering energy from landfill-bound solid waste, a classic example of the circular economy in action,” said Pascal Bouchard, Plant Manager. “This system allows us to more easily reach our target of substituting 50% of our fossil fuel use with lower carbon options. Data from our pilot suggests we can go higher – even up to 70% is realistic.”
“With an ever growing population, using waste as a source of energy is the future of waste and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emission from cement production,” said Sophie Wu, Head of Geocycle North America, LafargeHolcim’s waste management subsidiary.
The Richmond plant is 60 years old and was Lafarge’s first Canadian facility. It has been permitted to use lower carbon fuels for ten years. Previous upgrades allowed the plant to achieve 25% substitution. An investment by Lafarge and funding from the British Colombia Cement Low Carbon Fuel Program makes the new system economically viable and demonstrates a long-term commitment to the plant and the British Colombia cement market.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/27052019/richmond-aims-to-be-most-carbon-efficient-cement-plant-in-canada/
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