Carbon Neutrality – Diageo

A major transition toward carbon neutrality

Diageo is a global producer of spirits and alcoholic beverages, with manufacturing plants worldwide. Its Salaberry-de-Valleyfield facility is leading one of Québec’s first industrial transitions toward carbon neutrality through an ambitious project. Shellex initially identified sixty measures, from which four key energy efficiency initiatives and two projects focused on converting natural gas and heavy fuel oil to electricity were selected. The plant also acquired high-performance equipment, 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 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

• Leveraging its in-depth knowledge of available programs, Shellex identified and secured 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

Project funded by the governments of Quebec and Canada and Hydro-Québec

“We are very grateful for this partnership with the Government of Quebec, which is in line with our goals to achieve net zero carbon emissions and use 100% renewable energy in our direct operations by 2030. It will allow us to fight climate change together and create a more sustainable world. Today’s announcement marks an important moment for our North American operations and our commitment to creating a low-carbon future and being part of the solution to the current climate crisis. »

Ewan Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer and President of Global Supply Chain, Diageo

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