Air Liquide Announces Plans for Carbon Capture Unit Construction in Rotterdam

Air Liquide SA has unveiled plans to construct, own, and operate a world-scale carbon capture unit in Rotterdam, Netherlands, a strategic move aimed at reducing emissions not only within its operations but also for its customers. The company will leverage its proprietary Cryocap technology for this initiative, installing the unit at its hydrogen production plant situated in Rotterdam's industrial basin, with a connection to Porthos, a prominent carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure in Europe.

The Cryocap technology is a cutting-edge solution for carbon capture, employing a cryogenic process in the extraction of carbon dioxide. The carbon capture process will begin at Air Liquide's hydrogen plant in the Rotterdam port. The captured carbon dioxide will then traverse the Porthos infrastructure, finding its permanent repository in depleted gas fields located approximately 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) off the North Sea coast. Anticipated to become operational in 2026, the carbon capture unit is part of Air Liquide's commitment to supplying significantly decarbonized hydrogen to its long-term customers.

The collaborative venture with Porthos, or the Port of Rotterdam CO2 Transport Hub and Offshore Storage, involves the joint efforts of Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN), Nederlandse Gasunie NV, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Porthos, recognized by the European Union as an essential project in meeting climate targets, received the designation of Project of Common Interest, accompanied by a subsidy of $107.8 million (EUR 102 million). The ambitious carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, estimated at $1.37 billion (EUR 1.3 billion), will commence construction in Rotterdam in 2024, targeting operational status by 2026.

Porthos is committed to offering services for the transportation and storage of carbon, enabling the transfer of carbon dioxide from the Rotterdam port to the exhausted gas fields in the North Sea. These fields, situated around 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) off the coast, will serve as the permanent storage location, with depths ranging from 1.9 to 2.5 miles (three to four kilometers) under the seabed. The system plans to store approximately 2.5 million metric tons per year for a duration of 15 years, accumulating around 37 million metric tons at full storage capacity. Additionally, the onshore transport system, currently under construction, is designed to accommodate future carbon storage projects.

Recognizing the significance of Porthos in meeting climate goals, the European Union's declaration of it as a Project of Common Interest underscores its pivotal role in advancing carbon capture and storage solutions. Several companies, including Air Liquide, Air Products, ExxonMobil, and Shell, have expressed interest in the project and intend to invest in their carbon capture installations, further signaling the industry's commitment to sustainable practices and emissions reduction.