Wedoany.com Report-May 29, Fluxys c-grid Antwerp, a joint venture formed by Fluxys, Pipelink, and Air Liquide, has initiated plans to construct and manage a CO2 pipeline network in the Antwerp port area, Belgium. The project aims to support the region’s industrial sector by facilitating the transport of captured CO2.

Construction of the first phase of the pipeline network began recently and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The initiative has received funding from the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) and VLAIO, with plans for further expansion based on market demand. The network is designed to connect with the regional Flemish backbone and potentially extend to neighboring countries, according to Fluxys.

The joint venture plans to apply for the role of Local CO2 Network Operator for the Antwerp port area by the end of May 2025. The pipeline network will serve as a critical component of the CO2 management system, enabling the transport of captured CO2 from Antwerp’s industries to the Antwerp@C CO2 Export Hub or other regional network exit points.

Antwerp@C, a collaborative effort involving Air Liquide, BASF, Borealis, ExxonMobil, INEOS, TotalEnergies, Fluxys, and Port of Antwerp-Bruges, aims to reduce CO2 emissions in the Antwerp port area by 50% by 2030. In 2022, the initiative secured €144.6 million in EU funding to develop shared CO2 transport and export facilities.

The project outlines two approaches for cross-border CO2 transport. Initially, CO2 will be shipped in liquid form to depleted gas fields in the North Sea. In a later phase, Antwerp@C will explore pipeline transport to the Netherlands, enhancing regional connectivity for CO2 management.

Fluxys stated: “The CO2 pipeline network is open to connecting to the regional Flemish backbone and neighbouring countries.” This reflects the project’s flexibility to adapt to future needs and its role in supporting sustainable industrial practices in the Antwerp port area.

The development of the CO2 pipeline network by Fluxys c-grid Antwerp represents a significant step toward reducing industrial emissions and strengthening the region’s infrastructure for sustainable energy solutions.