Nuada and IDEX pioneer French BECCUS project

IDEX Group develops, designs, finances, builds and operates local, carbon-free energy infrastructure for the supply of heat and electricity to buildings, cities and industry. It is currently the only vertically integrated operator in France covering the entire local energy value chain

Whilst many emissions can be reduced through energy conservation, efficiency and the use of local, low-carbon energy sources, certain residual emissions remain unavoidable at present.

Carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) capture therefore emerges as a complementary tool for achieving carbon neutrality targets and accelerating the decarbonization of industrial activities.

A new generation of carbon capture technology

Following several successful demonstrations at pilot sites, Nuada is taking a further step forward with Idex by rolling out its carbon capture process on an industrial scale.

Based on metal-organic framework (MOF) sorbents – porous 3D hybrid materials built from metal ions or clusters linked by organic molecules – the technology can filter and capture CO ₂ from post-combustion flue gases.

Powered solely by electricity, it reduces the energy requirements of the CO₂ capture process whilst eliminating the environmental risks associated with the use of chemical solvents.

Compact and autonomously operated, the unit can be integrated into existing energy plants without interfering with heat and electricity production.

Ultimately, the Kogeban facility will capture up to 10,000 tonnes of biogenic carbon dioxide (bioCO₂) per annum, paving the way for the roll-out of this solution at other industrial sites.

Following several successful demonstrations at various industrial sites, the industrial deployment of our “AdSpire” technology marks a decisive milestone for Nuada. Together with Idex, we will demonstrate that it is possible to capture biogenic carbon dioxide under conditions that are viable from both a technical and economic perspective. Designed to be replicated at other industrial sites in France and across Europe, our technology paves the way for a more efficient decarbonisation of residual emissions, commented Conor Hamill, Co-CEO of Nuada.

Supported by local stakeholders and rooted in the circular economy

Beyond capture, the project aims to establish a new local value chain centred on two outlets for the captured bioCO₂ – utilisation and storage.

Once captured at the Kogeban site, the bioCO₂ will be purified and liquefied (bioLCO₂) to a quality standard compatible with most industrial uses, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Some of the bioLCO₂ will be used by local industries, replacing fossil-derived CO₂.

Another portion of the captured bioCO₂ will be stored in deep geological formations to prevent it from returning to the atmosphere.

By removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that was originally absorbed by trees, this process generates so-called ‘negative’ emissions, a key driver of global carbon neutrality.

The project is being supported by the Region’s main institutional and economic stakeholders, notably the Somme Prefecture, Nord France Invest, the Communauté de Communes de l’Est de la Somme and Nesle Town Hall.

It will contribute to local economic growth by creating direct skilled jobs in engineering and operations, as well as indirect jobs generated during the construction phase.

The energy transition requires us to use every available means. Whilst our priority remains energy conservation, efficiency and the development of local, low-carbon energy sources, certain emissions call for new solutions. With Nuada at our Kogeban site, we are creating a genuine value chain around biogenic carbon dioxide combining capture, local utilization and storage. As a mission-driven company, we have a responsibility to develop innovative, replicable and value-creating solutions to accelerate the decarbonization of territories, said Thomas Le Beux, Chief Executive of the Idex Group.