U.S. Department of Energy Announces Investment to Further Develop Carbon Capture Technology via FEED Study

Study to develop commercial-scale carbon capture project that separates 95% of total CO₂ emissions at an industrial facility

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On October 6, 2021, the United States Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE-NETL) selected the University of Illinois for $4 million in federal funding, in addition to cost share contributions by LafargeHolcim and Air Liquide, for research and development to support the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study. This commercial-scale carbon-capture study, based in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, is a partnership of the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute, LafargeHolcim in the US and Air Liquide Engineering & Construction.

The University of Illinois is a leader in developing and managing carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects. The objective of this project is to deliver a FEED study for a carbon capture retrofit that can separate up to 95% of CO₂ emissions at the plant. The captured CO₂ will be pipeline ready for geological storage. Analysis of the project socio-economic impact will also be part of the study.

“While we have partnered with energy-generation facilities on many of our carbon management projects, carbon from industrial sources is also a key piece of the puzzle,” said the Prairie Research Institute’s Kevin OBrien, the project’s principal investigator. “It’s exciting to collaborate with LafargeHolcim in the U.S. to explore the application of this carbon capture technology at a commercial scale, in a way that has the potential for significant impact.”

“We recognize that in our industry, the ability to decarbonize is the real game changer. This project selected by U.S. DOE is another significant step in advancing large-scale CCUS technology in our industry, something we are very excited about at LafargeHolcim,” said Derick Dreyer, Head of Cement Industrial Performance, North America. “This partnership, the second of this nature in the U.S., is a powerful example of how collaboration across industry, the public sector and academia can advance carbon capture, utilization and storage projects that are the critical steps to accelerating the transition to a net-zero future.”

The design will employ Air Liquide’s Crycocap^TM FG system at the Holcim Ste. Genevieve cement plant, part of LafargeHolcim US, which features the largest single kiln in the world. The Cryocap FG system combines the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) capabilities with cryogenic refrigeration technologies to achieve high CO₂ capture rates with high CO₂ purity rates.

“Air Liquide Engineering & Construction brings to the project, its unique, industry leading experience in CO₂ capture and liquefaction technologies as well as operational experience to support the decarbonization of this sector,” stated David Maloney, Group Vice President and Chairman of Air Liquide Engineering & Construction. “We are committed to supporting our customers and making a difference by developing solutions to help them reduce CO₂ emissions.”

In addition to completion of the FEED Study, the scope of work includes a business case outlining the potential business model for commercial scalability, as well as analyses on environmental justice, economic revitalization and jobs creation.

About LafargeHolcim

LafargeHolcim is the global leader in building materials and solutions and active in four business segments: Cement, Aggregates, Ready-Mix Concrete and Solutions & Products. Its ambition is to lead the industry in reducing carbon emissions and shifting towards low-carbon construction. With the strongest R&D organization in the industry, the company seeks to constantly introduce and promote high-quality and sustainable building materials and solutions to its customers worldwide - whether individual homebuilders or developers of major infrastructure projects. In the United States, LafargeHolcim companies include close to 350 sites in 43 states and employ 7,000 people. Our customers rely on us to help them design and build better communities with innovative solutions that deliver structural integrity and eco-efficiency.

About Prairie Research Institute

The University of Illinois' Prairie Research Institute applies scientific expertise in geology, ecology and biodiversity, archaeology, water, weather and climate, pollution prevention, hazardous waste management, and sustainable energy to benefit the people, economy, and environment of Illinois. www.prairie.illinois.edu/.