France: Holcim has launched the sector’s first industrial-scale carbon capture test platform in Martres-Tolosane, France, to enable field testing and validation of technologies alongside third-party partners. Developed by Holcim’s research and development teams in Switzerland and France, CaptureLab enables Holcim, as well as manufacturers, startups and researchers, to test breakthrough carbon capture technologies and adapt them to cement manufacturing. The 2500m² platform is capable of analysing and processing CO₂ and other emissions from the cement industry. Its ‘plug-and-play’ architecture accommodates different carbon capture systems that can be connected to Holcim’s Martres-Tolosane plant.
Ram Muthu, Head of Group Operational Excellence, said “With CaptureLab, Holcim has built a unique facility to test and scale the most advanced carbon capture technologies through an agile, open innovation model with our valued partners. Validated technologies will be used at Holcim’s own sites, advancing our industry-shaping decarbonisation roadmap and contributing to the production of ‘near-zero’ cement. CaptureLab will advance our vision to be the leading partner for sustainable construction.”
For CaptureLab’s launch, Holcim is operating the platform while the first pilot project is being conducted by Air Liquide using its Cryocap proprietary technology. CaptureLab will allow Holcim’s partners to test and validate current or next-generation technologies – such as cryogenic treatment, chemical absorption, physical adsorption, membrane separation or biological processes – in real-world conditions and at scale.
