Low Carbon on Cement Possible with CCS

A first for the North American cement industry, the Lehigh CCS Feasibility Study looks at the viability of capturing 90-95 per cent of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) - an estimated 600,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually - from the cement plant's flue gas. The study is also a first for each of these organizations in North American all of whom pledge to actively work toward decarbonization.

The study is timely as the recently released Canada Climate Plan specifically indicates that it will develop a comprehensive CCS strategy and explore other opportunities to help keep Canada globally competitive in this growing industry.

With experience gained through the design, construction, operation, and subsequent enhancements/modifications of the SaskPower Boundary Dam 3 CCS Facility (BD3 Facility), the Knowledge Centre, along with MHI Group and their collaborative work on the Shand CCS Feasibility Study, continue to be at the forefront of post-combustion capture processes globally and see an opportunity for CCS across post-combustion industries.

Due to the remarkable similarities in flue gases, the expertise acquired at the BD3 Facility can be adapted to the cement sector with experienced-based guidance from the Knowledge Centre. The Lehigh CCS Feasibility Study will look to an engineering design that tailors the carbon capture technology owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering (MHIENG), part of MHI Group, so called KM CDR Process^TM being deployed at 13 commercial plants globally, for integration with Lehigh's plant and output specifications, such as a flue gas pretreatment system and the carbon capture and compression process. In addition to eliminating the majority of CO₂ emissions, the capture system would also eliminate other flue gas particulates.

With cement demand on the rise and as a sector that is challenged with further abating emissions, large-scale CCS could well become the definitive solution to cut GHGs. The Lehigh CCS Feasibility Study explores the value of this for the cement industry, by encompassing engineering designs, cost estimation and an in-depth business case analysis.

Quotes

"Advancements for large-scale CCS on cement is important in the broader deployment of CCS facilities across sectors so that we, as global citizens, can make meaningful impact on emission reductions worldwide."

- Beth (Hardy) Valiaho, VP Strategy & Stakeholder Relations, International CCS Knowledge Centre

"The path to achieving a carbon-neutral world by 2050 requires the ability to decarbonize hard to abate sectors. By exploring and unlocking ways to expand our proven carbon capture technology to new markets and applications, we can face the challenge head-on."

- Yoshihiro Shiraiwa, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America

"This CCS feasibility study is essential for understanding how our industry can continue to meet growing production demands, while also meeting equally important climate targets. We are proud to be in a position to lead a global change with a crucial clean technology in our industry."

-Joerg Nixdorf, President, Lehigh Hanson Canada Region

QUICK FACTS & LINKS

Lehigh CCS Feasibility Study

• The Lehigh CCS Feasibility Study is being jointly conducted by the Knowledge Centre and Leigh Cement with a target delivery of fall 2021.
• The objectives of the study are to deliver a Class 4 cost estimate; to work with a capture technology provider (MHIA/MHIENG) to perform engineering design tailored to the Lehigh plant; to manage the process and engage third parties, as necessary; to complete a detailed business case; and to develop the budget for Front End Engineering Study (FEED).
• This initiative has received $1.4M from Emissions Reduction Alberta which invests in innovative science and engineering that propels the development of technology for reducing GHG emissions to ensure a sustainable, lower carbon future in Alberta.

Cement Emission Overview

• Concrete a product of cement is the second most consumed substance on the planet, next to water with roughly attributing three tonnes of concrete yearly by every person on earth.
  State of the Planet, Earth Institute, Columbia University
• Total emissions from cement industry contribute as much as 7-8% of global CO₂ emissions.
• Two thirds or 5% of global emissions result from the chemical reactions in cement. production process and therefore cannot be eliminated through gains in energy efficiency.
• Global demand for cement is expected to increase 12-23% by 2050
  IEA Report: Transforming Industry through CCUS