The French Engie and the American Infinium unveiled on Monday a partnership to produce from 2026 carbon-neutral synthetic fuels for aviation or maritime transport, from the CO2 emitted by the blast furnaces of the steelmaker ArcelorMittal in Dunkirk.
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This project, called “Reuze”, is one of “the biggest projects in Europe for the production of carbon-free synthetic fuel”, Sebastien Arbola, deputy general manager of Engie, told the press. The final decision on the investment, estimated in total at “more than 500 million euros”, will not be announced before the end of 2023, he nevertheless warned.
Synthetic fuels, are nicknamed e-fuels or electro-fuels, because their manufacture uses green hydrogen, obtained by electrolysis of water, which is then combined with carbon dioxide (CO2) captured either in the atmosphere, or at an industrial emitter, which thus reduces its greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite their high price, these e-fuels are presented as a solution to reduce emissions from aviation and maritime transport, sectors that are difficult to decarbonize.
Initially, the project would above all allow the steelmaker ArcelorMittal, the leading industrial emitter (excluding energy) of greenhouse gases in France, to decarbonize.
The project aims to reuse 300,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, captured at ArcelorMittal’s steel production facilities in Dunkirk, northern France, the largest steelworks in Europe.
This CO2 would be associated with green hydrogen produced by a 400 MW electrolyser installed by Engie, global integrator of the project, indicates the group.
Other outlets for the chemical industry, including the production of plastic from CO2, are also envisaged.
Infinium also plans to produce naphtha from CO2, a light hydrocarbon made up of carbon and hydrogen, which is a precursor to plastic.
The Reuze project makes it possible to use CO2 “as a product”, rejoiced Mr. Schuelzle. “If we can put a value on CO2, it would create a CO2 economy instead of just seeing it as a source of emissions.”
According to a Dunkirk legend, Reuze is a giant who protects the city. It is celebrated every year during Carnival. The name also evokes “Re-Use”, the anagram of “reuse” in English, for the reuse of CO2, heat, and water.
Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com