Gas network operator Fluxys Belgium, Pipelink, Socofe, and the Federal Participation and Investment Company (SFPIM) join forces to create ‘Fluxys c-grid’, a CO2 network operator that must support the industry “in its transition efforts toward a low CO2 emission future”.

Pipelink is a subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and Socofe is the investment vehicle of the Walloon local authorities for environmental transition. The plans were announced by a joint press release on Wednesday morning.

Common ambition

The newly created organization underlines all parties’ shared ambition to support industries transitioning to a low-carbon future. To achieve the climate objectives, Belgian politicians and industry are looking at projects to capture CO₂ and reuse or store it underground. Projects are in the pipeline, including in the port of Antwerp. New pipeline infrastructure is, therefore, needed to transport that CO₂.

CCUS

The project’s primary goal is to connect the CO2 network with export infrastructure and adjacent infrastructure in neighboring countries. Carbon Capture and Utilisation/Storage (CCUS) is essential for the industry to meet its transition targets, especially for hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as steel, petrochemicals, cement, and lime production.

Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys: “With this partnership, we go for a coordinated and long-term approach across the international borders and the Belgian regions. With a service offer for industry across national and regional borders and accommodating large quantities, we can offer a competitive tariff for industries. Fluxys c-grid offers the industry the CO₂ takeaway options to sustain its activity and employment.”

‘Pioneering role’

Jacques Vandermeiren, President of the board of directors of Pipelink and CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “There is a growing awareness of the need to develop CO2 capture technologies and suitable infrastructure further to transport the captured CO₂ toward the Antwerp and Bruges port platforms for further transport to permanent storage sites. Establishing this cooperation is a fine example of our pioneering role as a world port and pipeline operator in transitioning to a low carbon society within our organization, on the port platform, and beyond.”

Earlier, plans were made to export CO2 to old and empty gas fields in the North Sea or a pipeline connection to the Netherlands. Belgium sees itself as a transit country for CO₂ from industry in the south of Germany to the North Sea.

Fluxys c-grid is established as a subsidiary of Fluxys Belgium, with a majority share of 77,5%; partners Pipelink and Socofe each have 10%, and SFPIM takes a 2,5% stake in Fluxys c-grid.