Work will start in 2025 on Carbon 1, Canada’s first commercial carbon capture facility that turns CO2 into cement. The plant will be built at Ash Grove Cement’s Mississauga location and will use emissions from cement production to make usable building material. The project also creates local jobs. The federal government is contributing $10 million to support the effort.
Cement production is one of the largest sources of CO₂ emissions, making up almost 8% of global emissions. Carbon 1 takes that CO₂ and turns it into cement, so the carbon stays locked inside the material instead of going into the air. Unlike some carbon capture methods that store emissions underground, this approach converts pollution into a valuable product. Experts note that even modest reductions in cement’s carbon footprint can have a significant global impact, and captured CO₂ could be used in low-carbon concrete for both residential and commercial projects.
The federal government is supporting the carbon capture facility in Canada through the Innovation Superclusters Initiative, providing funding to bring the project to life. The facility will mix captured CO₂ directly into new cement, lowering the carbon footprint without affecting strength or durability. Ash Grove Cement confirmed that the plant will be built at its Mississauga location and stated that the project shows how the cement industry can take practical steps to reduce emissions.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project will also open up more jobs. Building the facility will give work to construction crews, and once it’s running, engineers and operators will have new positions to fill. Making cement locally also helps Canada reduce its reliance on imports and demonstrates that clean technology can be integrated with existing factories.
“Carbon 1 Mississauga is a milestone in our journey to build world-leading, domestic supply chains in North America,” said Apoorv Sinha, CEO of Carbon Upcycling. “It will stand as a testament to the shared commitment of our team, our partners at CRH and Ash Grove, and the local community who share our vision for a resilient, clean tomorrow. With this project, we’re setting the precedent for a new way forward. One that aligns community, industry and climate, so that we can build local, build better, and most importantly, build today.”
Carbon 1 is in line with Canada’s broader climate goals. The federal government wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45% by 2030. This carbon capture facility in Canada and similar projects are tackling emissions at the source. If all works as planned, it could encourage more investment in clean technology and low-carbon building materials across Canada.
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