Lafarge Canada Inc. and ATCO Ltd., through its investment in Canadian Utilities Limited, announced that they have entered into a 12.5-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA). Under this agreement, Lafarge's Exshaw cement plant will receive one hundred% of the solar energy produced by the 38.5-megawatt Empress Solar project, meeting 34% of the plant's power requirements through 2036. Lafarge's continued expansion into renewable energy in Alberta aligns with the company's broader strategy, Accelerating Green Growth while emphasizing its ongoing investments to lower the carbon footprint of its operations and scope 2 emissions.

Notably, Lafarge's Exshaw concrete plant has now committed to power purchase agreements for both wind and solar energy, setting an industry precedent. Under the agreement, Lafarge will offtake 100% of the power generated from the Empress Solar project, which is scheduled to commence commercial operations in October 2023, marking a step towards a greener, more sustainable energy landscape in Alberta. The Empress Solar project is expected to generate enough renewable energy to offset approximately 43,000 tonnes of carbon per year.

Once operational, the facility will further drive ATCO's commitment to meeting ATCO's 2030 ESG target of owning, developing, or managing over 1,000 MW of renewable energy.