2023-09-30

Fluxys terminal

Fluxys Belgium, Pipelink, Socofe and SFPIM join forces in CO2 network operator “Fluxys c-grid ”

Newly created organisation underlines common ambition to support industries in their transition efforts

Fluxys Belgium, Pipelink, Socofe and SFPIM join forces in “Fluxys c-grid” to create a CO2 network operator. This newly created organisation underlines our common ambition to support industries in their transition efforts to a low carbon future. At the same time, it shows our readiness for both the upcoming legal and regulatory frameworks for CO2 transport activities. Fluxys c-grid ensures a long-term approach combining a regional focus with a broad internationally interconnected network.

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A coordinated approach with many benefits

Carbon Capture and Utilisation/Storage (CCUS) is essential for industry to meet its transition targets, especially for hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, petrochemical, cement and lime production. With this partnership we go for a coordinated approach across the international borders and across the Belgian regions. To best serve the industry our goal is to interconnect the CO2 network with export infrastructure and adjacent infrastructure in neighbouring countries enabling transit volumes through a CO2 backbone. With a service offer for industry across national and regional borders and accommodating large quantities, we can offer a competitive tariff for industries. In fact, Fluxys c-grid offers industry the CO2 takeaway options it needs to sustain its activity and employment.

Fluxys Belgium has comprehensive experience in offering open access pipeline services and working in tandem with regulatory authorities and the market to set up customer-driven services and adequate tariff methodologies.

Longstanding expertise

The shareholders have the expertise as well as the financial solidity to ensure adequate financing of the investments for developing and operating the extensive CO2 network the industry requires for its transition needs.

As independent infrastructure partners, both Fluxys Belgium and Pipelink, an affiliate of Port of Antwerps-Bruges, have extensive and long-standing experience in the development, construction and safe operation of pipeline infrastructure.

Fluxys c-grid will be set up as a subsidiary of Fluxys Belgium who will hold a majority share of 77,5%, partners Pipelink and Socofe each holding 10% and SFPIM will support Fluxys c-grid with a 2,5% share.

Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys: “

The launch of Fluxys c-grid aligns perfectly with our ambition to offer industry across Belgium and the neighbouring countries the capacity to transport 30MT of CO2 per year by 2030. To ensure that main industrial hubs across our regions and in neighbouring countries have access to our CO2 backbone, we have a solid plan, staged towards 2030.

Jacques Vandermeiren, President of the board of directors of Pipelink and CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “

CCUS is an important part of the solution to reach the climate goals. There is a growing awareness of the need to further develop CO2 capture technologies and suitable infrastructure to transport the captured CO2 towards the Antwerp and Bruges port platforms for further transport to permanent storage sites. The establishment of this collaboration is a fine example of the pioneering role that we as a world port and pipeline operator play in the transition to a low carbon society, both within our own organization, on the port platform and beyond.

Jean-Marie Bréban, Directeur Général of Socofe: “

With the ambition to contribute to the decarbonisation of society, Socofe is enthusiastic to participate in Fluxys c-grid alongside historical partner Fluxys Belgium, Pipelink and the SFPIM. It is essential for the development of industry and employment in Wallonia to deploy adequate, accessible and reasonably priced infrastructures for CO2 evacuation. Socofe will be the link between industry and Fluxys c-grid to optimise the development of this backbone in Wallonia. 

SFPIM Investment Manager François Fontaine: “

SFPIM is happy to join their forces together with Fluxys Belgium, Pipeline and Socofe to create CO2 transport network "Fluxys c-grid". Capturing and storing carbon are essential to reduce the carbon impact of the industry, in particular in the steel, chemicals & cement sector. With a good coordinated approach, in and abroad the Belgian regions, the new network will be responsible for the decarbonization of the industry and as well the reinforcement of its activities and employment.

 


For press inquiries, contact:

press@portofantwerpbruges.com
+32 492 15 41 39

About the Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an overall throughput of 278 million tonnes per year, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk and for the throughput of vehicles. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
 
The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear - to become the world's first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers and other partners, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society. 

The port sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are operated by the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law with the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges as its shareholders. The port employs 1,800 people. Johan Klaps is Vice-Mayor of the City of Antwerp and President of the Board of Directors, and the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President of the Board of Directors. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the port’s day-to-day management. 

www.portofantwerpbruges.com

The telephone number +32 492 15 41 39 is only for press inquiries. For other questions you can mail to communicatie@portofantwerpbruges.com

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