Carbon Neutrality – Diageo

A major transition toward carbon neutrality

Diageo is a company that produces spirits and alcoholic beverages, with manufacturing plants located worldwide. The Salaberry-de-Valleyfield plant is taking a leading role in one of the first industrial transitions toward carbon neutrality in Québec through an ambitious project. Initially, sixty measures were identified by Shellex, from which four significant energy efficiency measures and two initiatives focused on converting natural gas and heavy fuel oil to electricity were selected. As part of this project, the plant has acquired specialized, high-performance energy equipment, including an evaporator with mechanical vapor recompression technology, 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)

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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