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  • EcoPro Halts $1.2 Billion Quebec Battery Plant as Tariffs Weigh on EV Market

    EcoPro Halts $1.2 Billion Quebec Battery Plant as Tariffs Weigh on EV Market

    EcoPro BM, a South Korea–based battery materials manufacturer, announced that it will pause construction on its $1.2 billion plant in Bécancour, Quebec, starting in early June. This interruption stems from pressure from U.S. tariffs and slower-than-expected EV demand, which have introduced significant uncertainty into the North American market. Although the company didn’t specify a date, its statement noted that the decision followed “several weeks” of internal discussions as it navigates a shifting policy landscape .

    Temporary Standstill Amid Global Trade Tensions

    EcoPro clarified that the suspension is temporary, but conceded that it’s too soon to say how long the pause might last given current market conditions. This isn’t the first delay at the Bécancour site, work was previously halted twice last year. Despite these interruptions, the facility, which began construction in fall 2023, remains targeted for production in early 2026 under the original schedule.

    Also Read AESC $1.6 Billion Battery Plant in Florence on Hold Due to Economic Concerns

    Ford Departure Highlights Industry Realignments

    Originally, Ford was a partner in this venture, but the automaker pulled out last year, citing evolving EV technologies and cost considerations. Even after Ford’s exit, EcoPro expressed confidence in the project’s long-term viability and reaffirmed its intent to continue construction. Nonetheless, the current tariff environment and weak EV growth have forced the company to pause and reevaluate its next steps.

    Also Read $1.85 Billion North America’s Largest Hydrogen Plant Breaks Ground in Lancaster, California

    Navigating Uncertain Waters Toward Resilience

    This construction pause reflects broader challenges facing Canada’s battery supply chain, as cross-border dependencies, trade friction, and uneven EV adoption continue to create instability. Still, EcoPro remains actively engaged with automakers and battery producers in an effort to readjust and proceed when conditions improve. While the company labels the suspension temporary, it acknowledges that timing for resumption will depend on broader market clarity and policy stability.

    EcoPro Quebec Battery Plant Overview

    Project Name: EcoPro BM Battery Materials Plant

    Total Investment: CAD 1.2 billion (~USD 900 million)

    Location: Bécancour, Quebec (midway between Montreal and Quebec City)

    Developer: EcoPro BM (South Korea-based)

    Original Timeline:

    Construction began: Fall 2023

    Production targeted: Early 2026

    Latest Update:

    Construction paused: Early June 2025

    Reason: Temporary halt due to U.S. tariffs and softening EV demand

    Previous pauses: Occurred twice in 2024 due to market and design challenges

    Former Partner: Ford Motor Company (left in 2024, citing shifting EV tech and costs)

  • The World’s Tallest Building Advances as Project Management Consultancy Bids Evaluation Progresses

    The World’s Tallest Building Advances as Project Management Consultancy Bids Evaluation Progresses

    The world’s tallest building in Saudi Arabia is taking shape as the Public Investment Fund (PIF) evaluates current bids. Firms have submitted offers for a contract to provide project management consultancy (PMC) for a new central business district (CBD) on the outskirts of Riyadh. This also includes the proposed 2-kilometer megatall tower project. The PMC role covers both the tower and the surrounding district.

    The request for proposals is understood to have been issued by a subsidiary of the PIF known as the Tower District Real Estate Development Company. The firms invited for the bid entail mostly international-based companies such as Aecom and Jacobs. Furthermore, Parsons and Turner and UK-based Mace are also in the bidding row. UK-based Foster & Partners is already working on the project as its architect. The company was issued this tender after winning a design competition launched in late 2022.

    Also read:

    Saudi Arabia Approves Designs for World’s Tallest Sports Tower in Riyadh

    The Significance of the World’s Tallest Building as a Record Breaker

    The significance of the world’s tallest building in Saudi Arabia is one of monumental relevance and need. Once complete, the tower will be more than double the height on the current world’s tallest building. Standing at 828 meters, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa holds this record though several buildings are expected to surpass it. One of them is Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, which is expected to be taller than 1000-meters once completed. However, the tower in Riyadh, stretching up to 2-kilometers, is expected to surpass it by several hundred meters.

    World's Tallest Building
    The world’s tallest building in Saudi Arabia is taking shape as the Public Investment Fund (PIF) evaluates current bids.

    Contractors that have priced mega tall towers in the region say the structure could cost about $5 billion to construct. This though is dependent on the final design of the building. The world’s tallest building and the surrounding CBD, known as Project Rise, sits within a larger master planned development. Dubbed the North Pole, project Rise is part of this master planned development taking shape in the north of Riyadh.

    Also read:

    Firms Prepare Bids for Saudi Arabia’s 2KM Tower Project in Riyadh

    Tender won for Riyah Tower Project in Saudia Arabia

  • Inside Amazon’s $20B Investment for Expansion of its Data Centers and AI Infrastructure in Pennsylvania

    Inside Amazon’s $20B Investment for Expansion of its Data Centers and AI Infrastructure in Pennsylvania

    The Pennsylvania Data Center Expansion Project is a large-scale digital infrastructure development planned in the United States. Amazon has announced plans to invest at least US$20 billion to expand its data center infrastructure in Pennsylvania to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing operations. The announcement follows earlier plans to invest up to US$10 billion in data center developments in North Carolina focused on similar capabilities.

    The expansion, to be delivered through Amazon Web Services (AWS), is planned to begin with the construction of two data center campuses in Salem Township, Luzerne County, and at the Keystone Trade Center in Falls Township, Bucks County. Additional locations across Pennsylvania are also under consideration as part of the broader expansion programme. The project is expected to create approximately 1,250 roles in areas such as data center engineering, network operations, cybersecurity, and facility operations, alongside additional employment associated with construction, logistics, and supply chain activities.

    Also Read Data center construction boom 

    Governor Josh Shapiro hailed the announcement as a game-changer for the Commonwealth. “With Amazon’s investment of at least $20 billion in developing new state-of-the-art data center campuses in our Commonwealth, we have secured the largest private sector investment in Pennsylvania history,” he said. “This will create thousands of good-paying stable jobs and produce long-term local community revenue.”

    Despite the enormous achievement, Amazon’s sight is set on a global scale as it announces a $7 billion data center investment in Hyderabad, India.

    The company has signed an agreement with the Government of Telangana to significantly expand its data center footprint in the Indian state.

    AWS is expected to make the multi-billion-dollar investment in its cloud infrastructure in Hyderabad over the next 14 years. Furthermore, the state will offer a package of “facilitation measures.” It will also support AWS in quickly scaling up its infrastructure in the country.

    “We are delighted by the extraordinary confidence shown by global leaders like Amazon in Telangana,” noted Telangana’s Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. He also noted that the scale of commitment reflects the trust investors place in the government. “Stability and long-term vision to propel Telangana towards its $3 trillion economy goal,” he added.

    Community and Workforce Development

    Besides employment and infrastructure, Amazon is bringing a suite of education and training programs to make Pennsylvania citizens cloud career-ready. Some of them include:

    Amazon Community Workforce Accelerator (CWA): Local education centers to upskill workers for technical roles in AWS operations.

    Data Center Operations & Fiber Optic Technician Programs: Local college and vocational school training and equipment support.

    Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Workshops: Training certification for students and job seekers.

    AWS Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship (I2PA): Amazon’s planned investment is not just for data centers, a compensated programs earning career readiness credentials and interviews with AWS or partner contractors are also planned.

    In order to draw younger students, Amazon is launching STEM-intensive classes such as “We Build It Better” for middle and high school students and “We Will Build It Better” for elementary school classrooms. These classes are designed to foster young interest in science and technology professions with real-world equipment and environments.

    Read also: Amazon to Invest $10B to Expand Its Data Center Infrastructure in Richmond County, North Carolina

    Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund

    As part of its community reinvestment plan, Amazon is also establishing the Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund with a starting $250,000 in grant capital. Managed by nonprofit ChangeX, the fund will provide grants of up to $10,000 to support projects in STEM education, sustainability, digital literacy, culture, and health initiatives in Luzerne and Columbia counties.

    This builds on an earlier $100,000 collaboration with the Berwick-based Community Giving Foundation to support projects aimed at food security, housing, transportation, and farm education.

    A Deepening Investment in Pennsylvania

    Amazon’s investment is an extension of a centuries-long history of presence in the state. Amazon has invested over $26 billion in Pennsylvania since 2010 and built more than 27,000 full- and part-time jobs. Its footprint is comprised of 23 fulfillment and sortation sites and 20 last-mile delivery stations. The firm has also made investments in 12 solar initiatives and has a reverse logistics facility in Greencastle that specializes in refurbishing and recycling data center gear.

    David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer at Amazon, said that the investment reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to economic growth and innovation. “By expanding our cloud computing infrastructure, we’re investing in Pennsylvania’s future in terms of new hiring, workforce development programs, and community investments,” he said.

    As artificial intelligence and cloud computing revolutionize industries globally, Amazon’s investment represents Pennsylvania’s growing role as the epicenter of that revolution.

    Read also: Former Homer City Plant to Become a $10 Billion AI Data Center Campus

    Amazon to Invest $20B in Pennsylvania Data Centers: Project Factsheet

    Overview

    Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced a historic $20+ billion investment in Pennsylvania’s data center infrastructure to support AI and cloud computing expansion – the largest private sector investment in state history.

    Key Details

    Investment Amount: Minimum $20 billion

    Announcement Date: June 9, 2025

    Project Lead: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

    Primary Focus: AI and cloud computing infrastructure

    Locations

    Phase 1 Construction:

    Salem Township, Luzerne County

    Falls Township, Bucks County

    Additional statewide locations under consideration

    Amazon’s Investment Pennsylvania and Economic Impact

    Direct Jobs: 1,250+ high-skilled positions

    Job Categories: Data center engineering, network management, cybersecurity, operations

    Indirect Jobs: Thousands in construction, logistics, and supply chain

    Amazon’s PA History: $26B+ invested since 2010, 27,000+ jobs created

    Read also: Amazon Web Services (AWS) New $1B Data Center in Marysville

  • Active-adult rental community Hayloft Holly Spring Project in GA to be ready this summer

    Active-adult rental community Hayloft Holly Spring Project in GA to be ready this summer

    Construction has commenced on Hayloft Holly Springs, a 115-unit build-to-rent (BTR) active adult community in Cherokee County, Georgia. The project, led by general contractor Center Park Group in partnership with developer OneStreet Residential, spans over 20 acres and represents a growing trend in age-targeted rental housing in the Southeast.

    The development allocates roughly 12.5 acres to residential construction, with the remaining land reserved for future commercial use. This mixed-use layout is designed to integrate residential living with retail and dining access, supporting evolving urban planning trends that prioritize walkable and service-rich environments.

    Construction Details and Site Planning

    The Hayloft Holly Springs project includes the full buildout of 115 single-level, low-maintenance cottage-style homes targeted at residents aged 55 and over. In addition to housing, the construction scope covers a central amenity building, pickleball courts, and associated infrastructure, including trails and shared open spaces.

    The site, located at the intersection of East Cherokee Drive and Hickory Road, is strategically positioned near the upcoming Holly Springs Town Center—a 22-acre mixed-use hub that will feature a new city hall, amphitheater, and commercial offerings. The proximity of municipal and cultural developments is expected to enhance the long-term appeal of the residential project.

    Also Read: Veranda at Assembly Affordable Senior Apartments in Doraville, Georgia

    Design and Amenities for Age-Targeted Housing

    Hayloft Holly Springs is the first Hayloft-branded community in Cherokee County and incorporates features tailored to the needs of older adults and empty-nesters. Planned amenities include a fitness center, fire pit, walking and biking trails, a pet park, and gardening plots with a potting shed. Outdoor recreational features such as a putting green and pickleball courts are being constructed by Center Park Group.

    These facilities reflect a growing emphasis in BTR developments on wellness, low-maintenance living, and community engagement—factors increasingly considered essential in active adult housing design.

    Timeline and Project Oversight

    Leasing is expected to begin in early summer, with initial occupancy projected for fall. Center Park Group is overseeing all construction, while OneStreet Residential will assume ownership and take on leasing and property management upon completion.

    The project underscores the rising demand for age-specific rental housing and represents an example of integrated community design in suburban settings.

  • Fewer Turbines, Greater Power: How Turbine Advances will Transform the Somozas Wind Farm in Spain

    Fewer Turbines, Greater Power: How Turbine Advances will Transform the Somozas Wind Farm in Spain

    Naturgy, in collaboration with Vestas, is undertaking a major upgrade of the Somozas Wind Farm in A Coruña, Spain. As part of the company’s repowering strategy, the project will replace 81 outdated turbines with just 9 modern, high-efficiency units. This initiative is supported by €67 million in funding from the European Union’s NextGenerationEU program and showcases how new technology can deliver more energy with fewer machines.

    Also Read: BayWa r.e. Commences construction of 188 Megawatt Wind and Solar Leading Project in Spain

    Bigger Output with Fewer Turbines

    Despite a slight decrease in installed capacity—from 49.6 MW to 46.4 MW—the repowered Somozas Wind Farm is expected to increase annual output to 168 GWh, enough to supply electricity to around 48,000 homes. Vestas will provide seven V150-6.0 MW and two V110-2.2 MW turbines, supported by a 10-year AOM 4000 service agreement. Delivery is expected by Q4 2025, with commissioning planned for Q2 2026.

    Sustainable Construction and Recycling

    The project emphasizes sustainability by reusing existing infrastructure, such as roads, evacuation systems, and buildings, which helps reduce land use and construction costs. During decommissioning, more than 10.5 million kilograms of materials will be managed. Approximately 75% will be steel, 17% cement and aggregates, and the remainder components like copper and fiberglass. Only a small portion will need special treatment.

    Substation Upgrades and Environmental Restoration

    As part of the modernization, the electrical substation will be upgraded to accommodate the new turbine configuration. Additionally, Naturgy will carry out ecological restoration in surrounding areas to better integrate the wind farm visually with the landscape and minimize environmental impact.

    Part of a Larger Renewable Strategy

    The Somozas Wind Farm project is one of three major repowering efforts by Naturgy in Galicia. Other projects include Monte Redondo, where 66 turbines will be replaced by 11, and the Novo Wind Farm, which will go from 25 to just 5 turbines. These upgrades highlight Naturgy’s commitment to building a more efficient and sustainable energy system.

    With advanced turbine technology and a focus on sustainability, the Somozas Wind Farm stands as a powerful example of how fewer turbines can now deliver greater energy, helping to power the transition to a cleaner future.

  • East Deck of the Birmingham M6 South Viaduct Project Slides into Place

    East Deck of the Birmingham M6 South Viaduct Project Slides into Place

    The first section of the Birmingham M6 South Viaduct Project has been successfully launched into position, marking a major milestone for HS2’s high-speed rail line near Birmingham Airport.

    First Launch Completed

    Balfour Beatty VINCI led the operation to slide the 119-metre-long “East Deck” into place over the weekend. The viaduct, which will eventually stretch 320 metres, is being built next to the M6 and launched in three phases to reduce disruption to motorists.

    This staged method allows each section of the viaduct to be installed progressively. The weight of the structure will grow from 1,300 tonnes for the initial launch to 3,290 tonnes by the final stage, which will cross the main M6 carriageway and the M6-M42 link roads.

    Twin Viaduct Design

    The East Deck of the Birmingham M6 South Viaduct Project will carry two high-speed tracks toward London. A parallel West Deck, to be installed in 2026, will carry northbound trains toward Birmingham and beyond. Both decks include pre-cast concrete slabs fixed on a steel framework, enabling faster and safer installation.

    Strand jacks—powerful winches—were used to pull the deck at 12 metres per hour across low-friction pads. A 36-metre “launch nose” guided the structure, easing the weight on its leading edge during the slide.

    Also Read: UK Double Composite Viaduct Takes Shape as Steel Beams Arrive at HS2 Site

    Collaboration and Engineering Innovation

    The complex engineering operation of the Birmingham M6 South Viaduct Project is a result of collaboration between Balfour Beatty VINCI, Victor Buyck Steel Construction, and HS2’s design joint venture Mott MacDonald and SYSTRA. The structure’s design features weathering steel, which develops a rust-like surface that protects it from corrosion and reduces maintenance.

    Four pairs of concrete piers support the viaduct, with the tallest standing at 9.9 metres. A 4.5-metre-high parapet will be installed to shield Chelmsley Wood residents from noise.

    Stakeholder Support

    Russell Luckhurst of Balfour Beatty VINCI praised the team’s efforts, saying, “This complex viaduct is really beginning to take shape. It’s a huge achievement.”

    Liam Kenney of HS2 Ltd added, “This marks a major step forward for the Birmingham M6 South Viaduct Project, helping to improve rail capacity and free up local lines for more services.”

    National Highways, Birmingham Airport, and the NEC are working closely with the team to ensure minimal disruption for road users and the local community as work continues on this vital infrastructure link.