Carbon Neutrality – Diageo

A Major Transition Toward Carbon Neutrality

Diageo is a global producer of spirits and alcoholic beverages, operating manufacturing facilities around the world. The Salaberry-de-Valleyfield plant is leading one of Québec’s first major industrial transitions toward carbon neutrality through an ambitious, forward-looking initiative. Following an in-depth study by Shellex, sixty opportunities were identified, from which four major energy-efficiency measures and two fuel-switching initiatives—from natural gas and heavy fuel oil to electricity—were prioritized. As part of this effort, the plant has invested in advanced, high-performance energy technologies, including a mechanical vapor recompression evaporator, steam dryers, high-efficiency centrifuges, and a high-voltage electric steam boiler.

This initiative eliminates the plant’s annual consumption of approximately 21,000,000 m³ of natural gas and about 1,500 liters of heavy fuel oil, leading to a yearly reduction of nearly 40,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in Québec.

Key Highlights

• Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of available programs, Shellex was able to identify and secure several million dollars in financial assistance
• Turnkey project delivery (IAC/EPC) by Shellex Construction, allowing for increased project flexibility
• Introduction of innovative electrotechnologies, such as the evaporator with mechanical vapour recompression
• Full implementation of the measures while keeping the plant in continuous operation (except during annual shutdowns)