LafargeHolcim, a global building materials and solutions company, has announced plans to build three wind turbines to help power its cement plant in Paulding, Ohio.
Installing wind turbines is part of the company’s commitment to improve manufacturing operations, control costs and operate sustainably, says LafargeHolcim, which is based out of Switzerland.
“Distributed wind energy is a first for LafargeHolcim in North America and something we’re excited to leverage,” states Jamie M. Gentoso, CEO of U.S. cement operations. “The Paulding cement plant has been an anchor of this region for decades, producing high-quality cement and mineral components for our nation’s highways, roads, airports and national landmarks. Investing in new ways to operate our plants that provide a benefit for the environment is very important to us and the communities where we work.”
The turbines, beginning construction in December, will be built in partnership with One Energy. The three machines are expected to generate more than 12 million kWh annually, enough to power approximately 1,200 average households.
“It’s great to partner with the LafargeHolcim as they enhance their environmental footprint with this clean, inexhaustible fuel source,” notes Jereme Kent, CEO and general manager of One Energy. “Ohio is one of three states that led the United States last year in new distributed wind capacity installed, and in the Ohio Valley, the use of wind energy is well-accepted.”
LafargeHolcim will also create three $5,000 Megawatt Scholarships (one per turbine for a total of $15,000 annually) to be awarded each year the turbines are in operation. The scholarships will be awarded annually to local high school graduates pursuing a two- or four-year STEM degree. Additionally, One Energy will pay $27,000 annually in local property taxes.