Alberta cement plant sole outlet for 38-megawatt solar project

Sources: Lafarge Canada Inc. and ATCOenergy/Canadian Utilities Ltd. Calgary; CMCM staff

A 12.5-year virtual power purchase agreement will cover one-third of the annual electricity requirements of the Lafarge Canada Exshaw cement plant, a key supplier to Alberta and British Columbia construction markets, and entail the entire output of the ATCOenergy Empress Solar farm in Alberta, scheduled for Q4 2023 start up. At a projected annual power generation level of 38.5 megawatts, Empress Solar could potentially offset 43,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted from a traditional coal-fired station.  

ATCOenergy aims to develop, own or operate 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy infrastructure by 2030.

“We’re continually assessing ways we can reduce our environmental impact while actively pursuing sustainable solutions within our operations,” says Lafarge Canada (West) CEO Brad Kohl. “Our collaboration with ATCO underscores a commitment to adopting renewable energy at our plants and sites, which is key to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.” A continued expansion into renewable energy in Alberta aligns with the company’s broader strategy, Accelerating Green Growth, he adds, while emphasizing ongoing investments to lower carbon footprint and (GHG Protocol-defined) scope 2 emissions metrics in cement, aggregate and concrete production.