Industrial Carbon Pilots
Air Liquide Launched Its Cement-Focused CO₂ Capture Unit in France
Adam Harrie — June 11, 2026
Air Liquide launched its first industrial-scale pilot unit built specifically for the cement sector, deploying its proprietary Cryocap FG technology at Holcim's CaptureLab in France. The site is now the world's first industrial carbon capture test platform dedicated to cement production. The unit processes 3,000Nm³/h of flue gas, removing impurities and pre-concentrating CO₂ before final purification, addressing a key obstacle to industrial carbon capture at scale.
Cement decarbonization poses a distinct challenge because most of its CO₂ emissions stem from the chemical breakdown of limestone rather than energy consumption, making standard clean energy solutions insufficient. The pilot unit's modular design allows it to be relocated to other industrial sites after its initial phase.
Air Liquide shows how cement-specific carbon capture technology can open new pathways for meaningful industrial decarbonization.
