European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Air Liquide and Holcim Partner to Decarbonize Belgian Cement Plant

At a glance
  • The project aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.1 million tons per year.
  • The new plant will replace an existing asset in Obourg, Belgium.
  • Air Liquide will use its CryocapTM Oxy technology to capture up to 95% of CO2.
  • Captured CO2 will be transported and stored via Antwerp@C CO2 Export Hub.

Project Overview

Air Liquide and Holcim have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to decarbonize Holcim’s new cement production plant in Obourg, Belgium. The project will utilize Air Liquide's proprietary CryocapTM carbon capture technology.

Emission Reduction

The new plant will replace an existing asset and aims to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 1.1 million tons per year. This initiative is part of Holcim's GO4Zero investment program, targeting carbon neutrality in Belgium by the end of the decade.

Technology and Implementation

Air Liquide will build and operate a unit using its CryocapTM Oxy technology to capture and purify up to 95% of the CO2 generated from Holcim’s production unit. The captured CO2 will be managed through the Antwerp@C CO2 Export Hub, where it will be transported, liquefied, and stored offshore.

Funding and Support

The project’s implementation depends on public funding from European decarbonization schemes. Air Liquide and Holcim have jointly applied for the European Innovation Fund, which supports innovative low-carbon technologies.