Holcim launches CaptureLab carbon capture test platform
- The 2,500 m² CaptureLab test platform is installed at Holcim’s Martres-Tolosane site in France.
- Holcim developed the facility with R&D teams in Switzerland and France and will operate the platform for the launch phase.
- Air Liquide is conducting the first pilot on the platform.
- CaptureLab processes real cement emissions (N2, O2, CO2, water and trace impurities) and supports cryogenic, chemical absorption, physical adsorption, membrane and biological capture technologies.
Platform overview
Holcim has opened CaptureLab, described as the sector’s first industrial-scale carbon capture test platform, at its Martres-Tolosane site in France. The 2,500m² facility was developed by Holcim R&D teams in Switzerland and France and is operated by Holcim for the launch phase.
Technical scope and design
CaptureLab's plug-and-play architecture connects directly to the plant to analyse and process real cement flue gas—primarily nitrogen, oxygen, CO2, water and trace impurities—and to validate technologies at scale. The platform can accommodate and test cryogenic treatment, chemical absorption, physical adsorption, membrane separation and biological capture processes.
Partnership model and first pilot
The facility uses an open innovation model to allow manufacturers, startups and researchers to connect and test different carbon capture systems and adapt them to cement manufacturing. The first pilot project on CaptureLab is being conducted in partnership with Air Liquide. Holcim says validated technologies will be used at its own sites to advance its decarbonisation roadmap and the production of near-zero cement.
Source: Holcim