ANR-CAPCO2 (2006-2008)

"Post-combustion CO2 capture through chemical solvent washing or mineral phase adsorption" – This project, coordinated by IFP in partnership with industry and research institutes and funded by ANR (French Research Agency), aims to test two innovative techniques for post-combustion capture of CO2 using synthetic materials. It will study the possibility of regeneration by desorbtion of CO2 in the form of pure gas flow, in the aim of reducing energy and capture costs compared to existing processes. It is a unifying project that will help bring to reality the processing of CO2 emissions of the major French industries (thermal power plants, cement plants, steelworks).

ANR-DECALCO (2006-2007)

"Trapping and recycling of alkaline waste by passivation with industrial CO2" – This project, coordinated by BRGM in partnership with SOLVAY and LEM, is funded by the French Research Agency's PRECODD programme (Ecotechnologies and sustainable development). The aim is to study the carbonation of residual brines produced during the manufacture of soda ash in the hope of reducing CO2 emissions, whilst also neutralizing the alkaline waste for recycling in the form of secondary raw material. This approach will result in an industrial demonstration pilot. These objectives for improving process efficiency are in line with green industrial concepts, such as the reduction of CO2 emissions, production of industrially recycled carbonates, and limitation of saline residual scale through optimized management of residual brines.

ULCOS (2004 – 2009)

"Ultra Low CO2 Steelmaking" – This European research programme, initiated under the 6th Framework programme, aims to identify innovative steel-manufacturing processes that will cut back CO2 emissions by up to 50%. It comprises 48 European steelworking organizations: steelwork manufacturers, suppliers, research institutes, small- to medium-sized businesses, universities, etc.
BRGM is particularly involved in studying the potential of steel-slag carbonation under oxygen conditions and the quantative analysis of the feasibility and applicability for geological storage in the European steel sector.