Suvo’s PERMAcast JV signs MoU with Wind With Purpose for a pilot research project using lower carbon concrete products to construct wind turbines. Pic: Getty Images
Low carbon concrete disrupter Suvo enters MoU with wind development company
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- Suvo’s JV with PERMAcast enters into MoU with Wind With Purpose
- The JV and WWP will collaborate on a pilot research project
- The project will evaluate the feasibility of using the JV’s low carbon concrete for wind turbine construction
- WWP plans to install 5 gigawatts of wind capacity and if successful will require the construction of 400-500 wind turbines
- The volume of concrete required per foundation can exceed 1,000 cubic metres, with the current commercial value of concrete being roughly A$300 per cubic metre
Special report: Suvo’s recently incorporated JV with PERMAcast R&D has entered into a MoU with wind development company Wind With Purpose to collaborate on a pilot research project, which will aim to reduce the carbon footprint of renewable energy projects in WA.
Wind With Purpose (WWP) is currently engaged in the potential development of large-scale onshore and offshore wind energy projects in WA with plans to install ~3gigawatts of onshore wind and 2GW of offshore wind capacity.
But in order to supply this capacity, WWP will need the construction of 400-500 wind turbines, where the volume of concrete required per foundation with respect to an onshore turbine can exceed 1000 cubic metres.
Under the MoU, the JV and WWP will collaborate on a pilot research project to evaluate the feasibility of using the JV’s lower carbon concrete products in the construction of the proposed wind turbines.
Suvo Strategic Minerals (ASX:SUV) entered into a JV with Permacast last year for the delivery of low carbon geopolymer concrete products and projects to market.
PERMAcast is Western Australia’s leading supplier of precast and prestressed concrete products and together with SUV, the two entities will undertake various on-site mix design trials utilising various industrial by-products which could be manufactured at scale.
‘Pathway to revenue’
The JV with WWP is focused on developing low-carbon cement and concrete products, designed to reduce or eliminate the use of traditional Portland cement, which is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions.
SUV executive chairman Aaron Banks said the company has teamed up with one of the largest precast concrete manufacturers in Australia and created two entities to deliver this initiative.
“We’ve demonstrated we can successfully create formulations and manufacture products of low carbon concrete, and now we are developing the pathway to revenue,” he said.
“WWP are developing projects, both onshore and offshore to potentially deliver between 400-500 wind turbines with our JV having the first option to supply the concrete required for these developments.
“Our JV is also investigating new technology to build the footings and towers out of precast components and has already commenced negotiations with owners of this technology.”
Leader in sustainable materials innovation
The MOU will remain in effect for a period of two years unless terminated earlier by mutual agreement.
They will be looking at key milestones, including that the product can meet Australian engineering standards and industry specifications for strength, whether it can be produced at commercial scale and a commercially acceptable price.
WWP CEO Chris Kearney said sustainability was “at the core” of the firm’s mission, with Suvo and PERMAcast’s product a potential low carbon pathway as it looks to add 5GW of on and offshore wind capacity over the next 10-15 years.
“This partnership will kick off with a pilot research project at our proposed Wind Innovation Skills Park (WISP) in Kwinana/Rockingham, testing LCC’s potential to decarbonize wind infrastructure,” Kearney said.
“The PERMAcast/Suvo JV is aiming to be a leader in sustainable materials innovation, specializing in low-carbon cement and high-purity kaolin, key to reducing construction emissions.
“We’re excited to work with the PERMAcast/Suvo JV, and industry partners to drive Australia’s renewable transition, support local manufacturing in Western Australia and reduce wind turbine construction costs.”
This article was developed in collaboration with Suvo Strategic Materials, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
