Air Liquide and Holcim have recently signed an agreement to jointly develop carbon capture solutions for Holcim's near-zero emission cement plant in Obourg, Belgium. This collaboration marks a new phase for both parties in advancing industrial decarbonization. Leveraging its expertise in carbon capture and storage technologies, Air Liquide is committed to providing efficient, large-scale solutions to meet market demands.
According to the agreement, Air Liquide will supply oxygen to Holcim's oxyfuel clinker production line and apply its proprietary Cryocap™ OXY technology to enhance carbon dioxide capture efficiency. The captured CO₂ is expected to be transported via pipeline to export hubs such as Antwerp@C, and subsequently transferred to the North Sea for permanent offshore storage.
This strategic agreement aims to transform the Obourg plant into a large-scale, near-zero emission cement production facility, representing a key step forward in the project's progress. The final investment decision requires collaboration across the entire value chain and support from the public sector, including infrastructure regulation and risk mitigation measures.
The carbon capture project is projected to capture 1.1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually and is part of Holcim's GO4ZERO investment plan, which aims to help the company achieve its carbon neutrality goals in Belgium. This initiative will actively support the EU's 2050 net-zero emissions vision and promote the regional energy transition.
Emilie Mouren-Renouard, a member of Air Liquide's Executive Committee responsible for European operations, stated, "The transition to low-carbon industry is a long-term endeavor that requires stable cooperation and public support in its early stages. For many years, Air Liquide has been committed to decarbonizing industries such as cement by developing forward-looking and advanced carbon capture technologies. Together with our partner Holcim, we share the same ambition. This new milestone agreement for the groundbreaking GO4ZERO project is a strong signal for industrial decarbonization and the energy transition in Belgium."
