Interest in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is growing in Belgium, despite the country’s lack of suitable geological formations for permanent CO2 storage. Belgium’s dense population, large industrial sector and limited access to renewable energy resources increase the need to decarbonize. CCUS is particularly relevant because Belgium has several large emitters in hard-to-abate industries that need carbon capture solutions.
Carbon capture, utilization and storage in Belgium
Key opportunities for Canadian hydrogen companies in Belgium
Industry highlights
- 40% of Belgium’s CO2 emissions come from industry
- Multiple CCUS projects are being developed by industrial actors
- The first pipeline of the Belgian CO₂ network is being built at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Projects in Belgium are often developed in collaboration with international partners.
- CO₂ capture technologies: Industrial actors in hard-to-abate sectors, such as cement and lime, are looking for innovative CO₂ capture solutions
- CO₂ conditioning, compression and liquefaction technologies: Equipment and expertise in areas such as CO₂ dehydration, purification and liquefaction
- CO₂ transport infrastructure: Equipment and expertise in areas such as compressors, valves, quality testing, safety systems, storage, certification and compliance services
- Digital technologies: Solutions to support the effective operation of CCUS systems
- Low-carbon products: Products developed through carbon management projects
Notable challenges for Canadian hydrogen companies in Belgium
- Uncertain market development: the CCUS market is not developing as expected and are delayed due to high production costs and slow infrastructure development. A lot of projects, including in Belgium, are experiencing delays.
- Uncertain market development: The CCUS market is developing more slowly than expected due to high production costs and slow infrastructure development. Many projects, including in Belgium, are experiencing delays.
- Regulation: Carbon capture and management is a shared responsibility in Belgium between the federal government (for international and cross-border activities) and regional governments. The three Belgian regions have different approaches to CCUS and different support mechanisms for CCUS projects.
Belgian business landscape
Belgium faces significant decarbonization challenges due to its:
- dense population
- large industrial and agricultural base
- limited access to renewable energy resources
The current Belgian government is developing its approach to decarbonizing industry through multiple measures, including electrification and carbon capture for hard-to-abate industries.
Summary
Interest in CCUS is growing in Belgium as the country looks for ways to reduce emissions from its large industrial sector. CCUS could play an important role in supporting the transition of hard-to-abate industries while helping Belgium meet its decarbonization goals.
Contact
For more information on the Belgian CCUS market, please contact bru@international.gc.ca.
