The "Butterfly" project, a groundbreaking initiative in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), represents a major milestone in the journey towards carbon-neutral lime production. Led by Carmeuse in collaboration with key partners, the project introduces an innovative industrial demonstrator designed to concentrate CO2 emissions during the lime production process, significantly advancing our company's decarbonization goals.
From its beginning, the Butterfly project aimed to address the dual challenges of combustion-related and process-related CO2 emissions inherent in lime production. The project is particularly innovative in its approach to capturing and concentrating CO2 emissions, achieving an exceptionally concentrated CO2 stream. This concentrated stream is crucial for efficient capture, paving the way for subsequent utilization or underground sequestration.
In December 2022, the Butterfly permit was granted, allowing Carmeuse to build an industrial demonstrator kiln dedicated to trials aimed at increasing CO2 concentration at the exit of PFR kilns.
By April 2023, the project had entered its execution phase, with preparation activities such as installation, demolition, and excavation commencing at the Seilles site.
In June 2023, a significant milestone was reached in the project's timeline when Walloon Minister Willy Borsus laid the first foundation stone, marking the official start of the construction of the new type of kiln.
This kiln's technology is crucial in achieving Carmeuse's decarbonization objectives, targeting a 30% CO2 reduction in Europe by 2030 and global carbon neutrality by 2050.
By July 2024, the Butterfly project had entered a crucial phase with the commissioning of the in-house oxyfuel pilot kiln at Seilles. The Carmeuse technologies team, in collaboration with CRM and equipment partners, had prepared for multiple testing campaigns over 2024 and 2025. These campaigns are expected to validate the project's innovative approach to decarbonizing lime production and pave the way for widespread adoption of carbon-neutral lime production technologies.
The Butterfly project exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of sustainable industrial practices. It is a collaboration between Carmeuse Technologies, CRM Group, University of Liège, Sparx, EBC, VOCSens and the University of Mons and has received funding support by the Walloon Region and the European Union -NextGenerationEU.
The project's success will be a testament to the vision and commitment of Carmeuse and its partners in leading the way towards a carbon-neutral future.