The Group has signed an agreement with Aqualung to install a carbon capture membrane technology solution across all its operational kilns following an initial installation at one kiln. The technology is modular, tested and scalable, allowing for a phased and systematic roll-out across the Group’s operations. In parallel, the parties will work on the entire carbon chain: the capture, sequestration, and alternative uses or commercialisation of the captured CO2. SigmaRoc estimates that it will be able to significantly bring forward its 2040 net-zero targets once the full roll-out has commenced.
Lime kiln emissions are typically cleaner than other industrial applications and are more suitable for carbon capture, especially regarding footprint and sizing. Aqualung’s solution uses a compact patented membrane technology which can be scaled by simply increasing the number of units to capture the entirety of process emissions from any kilns. The technology allows for a comparatively simple, low-energy solution that mitigates the risks and complexity associated with absorbents, their regeneration processes and hazardous wastes. The technology is neither new nor untested, giving both parties the required assurance that it has a high chance of success when applied across an entire kiln network.
Construction will commence in Q1 2023, and the full unit will be pre-fabricated and shipped on-site to Scandinavia with plug-and-play integration to the plant. Commissioning and start-up are scheduled for April 2023. Once operational, SigmaRoc will finalise the wider roll-out plan, estimated to be completed by Q3 2023. The full Group roll-out can then be launched.
With this next step in its ESG strategy, SigmaRoc has also committed to setting near-term companywide emission reductions in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating global companies to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.
Max Vermorken, CEO of SigmaRoc, commented: “Our partnership with Aqualung is an exciting next step for the Group and the fruit of many months of diligent work by Aqualung and our technical teams in the UK and at Nordkalk. It demonstrates that capturing all process emissions is possible with existing technology and at industrial scale. Once we roll this out across the Group, I believe we will be industry-leading when it comes to our Carbon Capture strategy, demonstrating again the agility of our business and our business model.”
Charles Trigg, CTO of SigmaRoc, commented: “As a Group, we are always on the lookout for interesting technologies that can help us advance our business and our operations. Aqualung is clearly that type of technology. Partnering with them to potentially decarbonise our operations well ahead of not just our timeline but probably the entire industry is very exciting and the result of intense work across the Group, in particular at Nordkalk.”
Henrik Utvik, President & CTO of Aqualung, said: “Aqualung Carbon Capture are extremely pleased to partner with a pioneering company like SigmaRoc to apply our decarbonisation concept in lime production. Due to the size and energy advantages, we believe our technology is ideally suited for this application. The collaboration with SigmaRoc will fast-track the deployment of full-scale carbon capture installations.”
