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Federal government signs partnership with Heidelberg Materials to decarbonize the cement and concrete industry

EDMONTON — On Apr. 5, François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, along with Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, announced that the Government of Canada has signed a partnership with Heidelberg Materials. This partnership will help support the company’s $1.36 billion project to build a full-scale carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) system and a combined heat and power (CHP) system at its Edmonton cement facility. This CCUS system, a first of its kind in North America, would enable the company to produce carbon-neutral cement through the capture and compression of carbon dioxide (CO2) for subsequent transportation and permanent storage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1 million tonnes annually.

Today’s announcement marks the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the start of negotiations toward an agreement for the proposed project, which supports actions outlined in the Roadmap to Net-Zero Carbon Concrete by 2050. This project is a step forward in establishing Canada as a global leader in the production of low-carbon concrete and builds on a strong track record of innovation related to the technologies, tools and policies needed to stay on track with a net-zero trajectory.

“This partnership shows that our government is committed to the hard-working people of Alberta, as well as to the greening of Canada’s production of concrete and cement. There is a growing urgency for rapid decarbonization in high-emitting sectors, including the cement and concrete industry, and by working hand in hand with the industry, we can support the adoption of innovative technologies that will contribute to lower emissions and increased competitiveness. Carbon capture is an important tool in our fight against climate change, and Canada is proud to be partnering with Heidelberg Materials in the development of this innovative clean technology,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.