Capsol Technologies begin carbon capture demonstration at Akmenes Cementas in Lithuania

Capsol Technologies’ CapsolGo® demonstration campaign for SCHWENK’s Akmenes cement plant in Lithuania has commenced operations.

"This carbon capture campaign marks a significant step in our journey towards decarbonisation, enabling us to evaluate an innovative solution that contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future," said Arturas Zaremba, CEO of Akmenes Cementas.

SCHWENK, one of Europe’s most innovative building materials producers, will test Capsol’s technology at two cement plants, with a combined carbon capture potential of up to 1.5 million t of CO₂ per year.

"This initiative provides SCHWENK with invaluable data on Capsol's End-of-Pipe capture technology, reinforcing our commitment to reducing carbon emissions across all our cement plants and advancing our sustainability goals," commented Reinhold Schneider, CEO of SCHWENK Northern Europe.

Following the demonstration campaign at the Akmenes plant, the CapsolGo® unit will be transferred to SCHWENK’s Broceni cement plant in Latvia, where a Capsol feasibility study was conducted in 2024.

CCS - A crucial solution for cement decarbonisation

The cement industry is a significant contributor to global CO₂ emissions, accounting for about 7% of total emissions. The production of cement involves the calcination of limestone, which releases CO₂ as a byproduct. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is increasingly recognised as essential for achieving deep decarbonisation in the sector.

Growing decarbonisation targets among cement producers, coupled with regulatory incentives, are accelerating the demand for carbon capture solutions. One such driver is the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), introduced in October 2023. Under CBAM, cement importers must report emissions, with financial obligations beginning in 2026, to prevent carbon leakage and promote decarbonisation within the EU.

With a mature project pipeline totalling 8 million t of potential CO₂ capture from cement plants annually (as of Q3 2024), Capsol is solidifying its position as the preferred carbon capture provider for the cement industry.

Capsol’s CapsolEoP® technology stands out due to its lower energy consumption, optimised for higher CO₂ concentrations, and further cost reductions achieved through the elimination of external steam supply requirements.

About CapsolGo® demonstration units

• CapsolGo® demonstration campaigns provide emitters with site-specific carbon capture data using Capsol's Hot Potassium Carbonate (HPC) based process, supporting faster decision-making for full-scale implementation.
• Offered on a rental basis, a standard CapsolGo® demonstration campaign lasts six months and includes transportation, installation, operation, and testing services.
• Capsol’s HPC-based process, used in over 750 plants worldwide, employs potassium carbonate as CO₂ solvent. A patented energy recirculation process ensures low capture costs and flexibility to monetise heat and electricity.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/14012025/capsol-technologies-begin-carbon-capture-demonstration-at-akmens-cementas-in-lithuania/