Made-in-Calgary carbon emissions capture tech showcased

A project to create stronger cement with byproducts of the energy sector is being used on roads and buildings here in Calgary.

A project piloted at a southeast Calgary natural gas plant is upcycling captured carbon dioxide to be used as an additive to make stronger concrete.

On a cross-country tour touting advances in clean technology, New Economy Canada highlighted Carbon Upcycling Technology’s ongoing project at the Shepard Energy Centre.

“Carbon upcycling is a fabulous example of Canadian innovation where they’re taking a waste product from the fossil fuel industry, CO2, and they’re turning it into a product that is absorbed and used in cement,” said Merran Smith, president of New Economy Canada.

Some of the emissions of electricity generation at the plant are captured to create enhanced cement replacements.

“It’s cost-competitive, it’s available, it’s local, it reduces the reliance on foreign imports. And that, especially in today’s day and age, is really, really important,” said Madison Savilow, director of corporate and external affairs at Carbon Upcycling.

They have a partnership with BURNCO, and some of the material is already being used for sidewalks, parking structures and buildings in Calgary.

The local products are needed, especially in a growing city such as Calgary that is seeing increasing demand for material in construction projects.

“We’re seeing a lot of geopolitical upheaval, but also the world is changing. They’re shifting to clean energy and clean technology. Last year, over $2 trillion was invested in the clean energy sector. We need that money to come to Canada,” said Smith.

It can also provide some supply stability during a time of economic uncertainty.

“Even without any pressures from other countries or for tariffs, whatever that may be, being able to localize a supply chain also allows us to reduce costs in shipping,” said Savilow.

“It allows us to source material that is readily available. So it’s more accessible and something that will reduce potential shortages in the future.”

Calgary’s facility is the first to employ the Carbon Upcycling technology, but a program at a plant in Ontario is set to begin soon.

The goal is to expand the tech throughout North America and Europe, Savilow said.