eCapt-Rhône carbon capture project

The eCapt-Rhône project uses renewable hydrogen production and CO₂ captured from Holcim’s cement plant in Le Teil to generate e-methanol. It is set to become the first large-scale plant in France to produce 138 kilotons (kt) of e-methanol per year. The project aims to replace about 20% of current French methanol consumption by providing locally produced e-methanol to industrial firms, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions by 70%. 

The plant’s goal is to capture 100% of CO₂ emitted – around 200,000 tons – annually, before the end of the decade. In 2023, it received a grant from the EU Innovation Fund.

The eCapt-Rhône project is driven by three technological processes:

• Carbon capture: a fully electric and chemical-free solution will be used. This involves both boosting oxygen levels in the kiln line and using end-of-pipe cryogenic carbon capture technology.
• Hydrogen production: a 170 MW electrolyser powered by low-carbon energy will produce 27 kt/y of green hydrogen.
• E-methanol production: a first-of-its-kind high capacity reactor will be able to provide 138 kt/y of methanol.

The capture brick will be located at Le Teil cement plant while the hydrogen and e-methanol production infrastructure will be installed at the Osiris chemical platform, located just 100 km from the plant. Transportation will be managed by rail.