Solidifying their commitments, the three companies yesterday (10th Dec) signed a joint development agreement for the Wallonia, Belgium-based project that hopes to open new routes for significant carbon emission reductions both in Europe and globally.
The project will demonstrate at industrial scale a first-of-a-kind integrated process by up-scaling and combining available and prototype technologies, such as a new type of lime kiln, one of the world’s largest electrolysers (75 MW) and green hydrogen.
Produced e-methane will be high-quality, suitable for injection into the national natural gas grid. The renewable e-methane can be used by industrial users or as an alternative fuel in the transport sector, thus allowing these sectors to decarbonise.
In order to achieve its goals, the companies will each have a specific focal point. Carmeuse will be responsible for the construction, commissioning and operation the new type of lime kiln, which allows for a concentrated CO2 stream.
John Cockerill will be responsible for the design, engineering, construction and commissioning of a large electrolyser plant (75 MW) at an ENGIE site in the region of Charleroi, with key elements manufactured by John Cockerill.
Finally, ENGIE will own and operate the electrolyser plant that will produce the green hydrogen. Storengy, ENGIE’s affiliate, will be in charge of the construction and operation of the methanation process.
According to the project partners, the implementation of the project would make it possible to avoid more than 900,00 tonnes of CO2 emissions during the first ten year. Total investment cost for the project is over €150m.
“We are delighted to join forces with John Cockerill and ENGIE for the development of this very exciting and strategic project. It is a major step forward in our ambition to become CO2 neutral by 2050. This project is a very concrete and important example of Carmeuse’s strong commitment and contribution to Sustainable Development,” said Rodolphe Collinet, CEO of Carmeuse.
“John Cockerill is delighted to be partnering with two major players such as Engie and Carmeuse on this project that is strategic both, for our region and our planet, “ added Jean-Luc Maurange, CEO of John Cockerill.
“Thanks to our position as a world leader in the manufacture of large-capacity electrolysers and our anchoring in the heart of Europe, we are ideally positioned to make this project an innovative and emblematic success in decarbonizing the industry.”
“We are proud to be part of to this promising joint project with Carmeuse and John Cockerill, that is fully in line with ENGIE’s ambition to be an accelerator of the energy transition,” added Philippe Van Troeye, CEO of ENGIE Benelu
“Thanks to its expertise, available sites and assets, ENGIE can produce and supply locally green hydrogen that will contribute to the circular economy of CO2 and lead to carbon neutrality.”