Lafarge Canada to offtake output of 38.5-MW solar plant

Cament maker Lafarge Canada Inc, a subsidiary of Holcim AG (SWX:HOLN), has signed a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) to offtake the entire generation of the 38.5-MW Empress Solar project for its Exshaw cement plant in Alberta.

The 12.5-year contract, unveiled today, is with Calgary-based engineering and energy company ATCO, through the latter’s subsidiary Canadian Utilities Ltd (TSE:CU).

Subscribe for Renewables Now's Corporate PPA Newsletter here for free!

The Empress Solar project, located near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, is due to go online this month. The facility is expected to generate 79.9 GWh a year, covering 34% of the Exshaw cement plant’s power needs through 2036. The agreement adds to a wind PPA that the cement plant already has.

“Our collaboration with ATCO underscores our commitment to adopting renewable energy at our plants and sites, which is key to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels," commented Brad Kohl, president and chief executive of Lafarge Canada (West).