Holcim, thyssenkrupp Uhde and TU Berlin test innovative process for carbon capture
The goal is to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from existing cement plants and at the same time prospectively utilize the captured CO2 for other applications
- Start of the first test phase under real conditions
- High-purity CO2 as feedstock
Just over a year ago, Holcim Germany, thyssenkrupp Uhde and the Technical University of Berlin announced that they had partnered up to research the use of the latest amine scrubbing technology to capture the CO2 process gas at Holcim’s cement plant in Beckum. Having installed a first system module at the plant, the first test phase of the project is now beginning.
The goal is to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from existing cement plants and at the same time prospectively utilize the captured CO2 for other applications. Until late 2025, the partners will be conducting small-scale tests of the promising technology which will potentially make an important contribution to the decarbonization of the cement industry in Germany. If the tests go as planned, the carbon capture and processing will produce high-purity CO2, which could then be supplied as a commodity to other industries or processed into other energy carriers such as methanol.
Over the test phase, continuous adjustments will be made and the test capacities expanded with the installation of a second system module with new, innovative processes. The performance and efficiency of these devices are being tested using real exhaust gas at Holcim's cement plant located in Beckum, Germany. With this process, the partners are seeking to make a contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases, especially in existing cement production plants. The aim is to retrofit the plants with devices for capturing CO2 from the process gas without having to make any further adjustments to the production process. The project is being funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action under the funding number 03EE5103A.
About the Holcim Germany Group
Holcim Germany is one of Germany’s leading companies for innovative, sustainable and digital construction products and solutions. As a pioneer in sustainable construction, the Holcim team develops tailor-made solutions for builders, civil contractors, architects and engineers - with a clear focus on climate change mitigation and a circular economy. Our mission: To build more with less. Holcim embraces diversity: The Group employs around 1,800 people of 36 different nationalities at around 130 locations in Germany and the Netherlands. Holcim Germany is a subsidiary of the world's leading building materials group Holcim Ltd.
About TU Berlin
TU Berlin is one of Germany's largest technical universities. With 49 Bachelor's and 89 Master's courses on offer, there are currently around 34,000 young people enrolled at the university. About 26 percent of its students come from abroad. 7,800 people research, teach, learn and work at the TU Berlin. In and around the capital, TU Berlin is the only university that offers engineering subjects. Bringing together engineering and natural sciences, planning and social sciences, economics and humanities, it trains the young talents urgently needed by industry and society.
About thyssenkrupp Uhde
thyssenkrupp Uhde combines unique technological expertise and decades of global experience in the engineering, procurement, construction and service of chemical plants. We develop innovative processes and products for a more sustainable future and thus contribute to the long-term success of our customers in almost all areas of the chemical industry. Our portfolio includes leading technologies for the production of base chemicals, fertilizers and polymers as well as complete value chains for green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals.
Source:
thyssenKrupp Uhde, press release, 2023-06-05.