Pipeline for ArcelorMittal

[projekktor id=’17175′]

The Ontario government is contributing $5.6 million to help build an oxygen pipeline between Air Liquide and ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton.

The tax dollars are part of the province’s Save on Energy plan. Air Liquide says the pipeline will allow it to more efficiently supply ArcelorMittal Dofasco with oxygen, which is essential in the production of iron and steel. Horizon Utilities estimates the pipeline will reduce electrical energy consumption by 29-thousand megawatt hours a year — that’s two million dollars annually. Horizon has been working with the two companies on the energy conservation project.

Max Cananzi, Horizon Utilities President and CEO: “Conservation in general impacts and benefits all customers in the province. And what we’re trying to do is reduce the demand on having to build another power plant or having to purchase more fuel to operate generating stations to provide electricity. So the more that we can save the more that we can avoid on energy costs. It benefits all customers.”

A spokesperson for Air Liquide says the pipeline will run both above and underground. The company is waiting for final approval by the city of Hamilton to begin construction. If all goes according to plan, commissioning should begin this March. The spokesperson wouldn’t say if construction will impact traffic in the Burlington Street area.