Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS): An essential technology for the transition to net-zero
Antoing, March 5, 2024 – An exceptional event took place at the Antoing brick factory, involving three major players: Heidelberg Materials, Fluxys, and Equinor. By creating a value chain for CO₂ capture, transport, and storage (CCS), these companies are collaborating on an innovative solution for one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change.
The gathering facilitated interaction between representatives from European and Belgian national, regional, and local authorities. It emphasized the essential cooperation between industrial players and all authorities to facilitate the deployment of large projects, whether led by industries emitting CO₂ or by operators of transport and CO₂ storage infrastructure.
To enable the decarbonisation of industries in Northwestern Europe, the industrial sector would greatly benefit from a swift implementation of a regulatory framework, as well as financial support from government agencies.
Net-zero emissions at the heart of the energy transition
In the pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions, CCS technology is the solution for industries dealing with unavoidable CO₂ emissions linked to their chemical production processes.
In this context, the Anthemis CO₂ capture project, which Heidelberg Materials aims to implement at its Antoing facility, is of vital importance. As part of the company’s sustainability strategy, it will capture over 800,000 tons of CO₂ per year starting from 2029, making the Antoing factory carbon-neutral.
Furthermore, Anthemis plays a central role in the development of CCS technologies on a larger scale in Northwestern Europe. It aligns perfectly with Fluxys’ policy of establishing CO₂ infrastructure in Belgium and building a transportation network to storage sites in the North Sea—a joint initiative by Fluxys and Equinor.
Recognition of this value chain heralds a new era, enabling the industrial sector to positively address the ecological, social, and economic challenges of the energy transition and the fight against climate change.
Christoph Streicher, General Manager of Heidelberg Materials Benelux, stated: "The construction sector plays a crucial socio-economic role in modern society. As a key player in the market, we aspire to take the lead on the path to net zero. It is our responsibility to execute significant projects to ensure our sustainability. Anthemis represents an ambitious, large-scale industrial project. Its impact is fundamental for our future and essential for Wallonia, Belgium, and Europe’s net-zero strategy.
Today's gathering explicitly outlines all the levers that need activation to support industries' sustainable long-term vision. It also underscores the ongoing collaboration required among various stakeholders for successful implementation. It is an honor for Heidelberg Materials Benelux to be part of a consortium initiating a CCS value chain. This reflects our commitment to pioneering the path toward net-zero. Personally, I am immensely proud of the role we play in building a sustainable future."
Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys Belgium, states: "Through Fluxys c-grid, Fluxys aims to provide the Belgian industry with a highly practical solution that is essential for cement producers like Heidelberg Materials. This solution enables them to reduce their carbon footprint and transport captured CO₂ to permanent storage sites, such as those operated by Equinor off the coast of Norway.
The Anthemis project holds significant symbolism as one of the first locations striving for near-complete decarbonization of industrial activities. Thanks to this project, the initial substantial volumes of CO₂ will play a crucial role in developing a transportation infrastructure and operating storage sites that will benefit the challenging-to-decarbonize sectors in Belgium and neighboring countries. The ambition is to aggregate CO₂ volumes from neighboring nations, particularly from industries in Germany and France, thereby contributing to Europe’s carbon neutrality."
Torbjørg Klara Heskestad, Vice President of Global CCS Solutions at Equinor, adds: "The CO₂ Highway Europe pipeline can offer a large-scale solution that significantly contributes to reducing the costs of CCS. Developing strategic projects with such immense potential for industries in Northwestern Europe, which need to reduce their emissions, is truly exciting."
About Fluxys
Fluxys Belgium is a Euronext listed subsidiary of infrastructure group Fluxys headquartered in Belgium. With 900 employees the company operates 4,000 kilometers of pipeline, a liquefied natural gas terminal totalling a yearly regasification capacity of 174 TWh and an underground storage facility.
As a purpose-led company, Fluxys Belgium together with its stakeholders contributes to a better society by shaping a bright energy future. Building on the unique assets of its infrastructure and its commercial and technical expertise, Fluxys Belgium is committed to transporting hydrogen, biomethane or any other carbon-neutral energy carrier as well as CO2, accommodating the capture, usage and storage of the latter.
Press contact Fluxys: +32 471 95 00 24 - press@fluxys.com
About Heidelberg Materials Benelux
Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of construction materials and solutions, with leading positions in the cement, aggregates and concrete in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Benelux entity employs around 2,200 people at 80 production sites. As a pioneer on the road to net-zero carbon, Heidelberg Materials places responsibility for the environment at the heart of its actions. By managing the entire production chain, from the extraction of raw materials to the delivery of finished products, the company provides its customers with high-quality, sustainable products.
Press contact Heidelberg Materials Benelux: Fredericq Peigneux - fredericq.peigneux@heidelbergmaterials.com - +32 475 87 23 81
www.heidelbergmaterials-benelux.com
About Equinor
Equinor is an international energy company with 21,000 employees worldwide, committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor's goal is to transform natural resources into energy for people and progress for society. Equinor's project portfolio includes oil and gas, renewable energy and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition to be a zero-carbon energy provider by 2050.
Equinor is building on almost 30 years of successful CO₂ storage offshore in Norway. In 2022, the operation for the development of the Smeaheia CO₂ storage facility in the North Sea was awarded to Equinor, a key building block for the development of the Norwegian continental shelf into a leading province for CO₂ storage in Europe.
Equinor is participating in the Northern Lights project, the world's first large-scale and open CO₂ transport and storage project. The company has a growing portfolio in offshore wind farms in Europe and is involved in several hydrogen projects in Europe.
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- Thierry VervenneTim De Vil