What is ‘green cement’ and how could it help the Strait of Canso?

The concept of “green cement” is gaining traction in Cape Breton, with the potential for a new facility to be established in the region. The Cape Breton Partnership has identified Point Tupper Industrial Park as a potential location for this innovative project, which aims to utilize carbon-removal technologies to produce eco-friendly cement.

According to a survey commissioned by the partnership, the global green cement industry generated $84.5 billion in revenue two years ago, with projections to reach $89 billion by 2032. This growth has sparked interest from business entities looking to invest in green cement production in Cape Breton.

Green cement is manufactured using alternative materials and energy-efficient processes to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The proposed facility in Cape Breton would employ electric kilns powered by renewable energy sources like wind power or green hydrogen. This approach aligns with the region’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

One company leading the way in concrete decarbonization is Dartmouth-based CarbonCure Technologies. Founded in 2013, CarbonCure has supplied its innovative systems to over 800 clients in 30 countries. Rather than producing green cement or concrete, CarbonCure’s technology injects carbon dioxide into concrete components, resulting in the mineralization of nanosized particles that enhance the material’s strength while reducing carbon-intensive cement usage.

Despite the promising prospects of a green cement facility in Cape Breton, several challenges must be addressed for the project to come to fruition. These include sourcing limestone deposits in Glencoe, revitalizing Cape Breton’s rail lines for transportation, and obtaining fly ash from Nova Scotia Power’s coal-fired plants in Point Tupper, Lingan, and Trenton. Collaboration between stakeholders and strategic planning will be essential in overcoming these obstacles.

Local municipal leaders, such as Richmond County Warden Lois Landry, have expressed enthusiasm for the potential economic and environmental benefits of the green cement project. Landry views the initiative as a “win-win-win” opportunity that aligns with the region’s goals of sustainability and innovation. With continued support from the community and key stakeholders, Cape Breton could become a hub for green cement production, contributing to a more sustainable future for the region.