Cryocap™ LQ is a new kind of large scale CO2 liquefaction technology, developed by Air Liquide and this technology has recently been selected for an innovative new project. The technology will go into use within the BECCS project, which is being operated by Stockholm’s energy company.

An agreement around this use has been created and this agreement states that Air Liquide will be responsible for providing the CO2 liquefaction technology and equipment for the BECCS project. On top of this, the agreement also outlines that the technology should be built at an existing heat and power biomass (bio-cogeneration) plant, which is located in Stockholm. It is predicted that the Cryocap™ LQ CO2 liquefaction unit will have a daily capacity of 3,500 tonnes, making it one of the largest in the world.

Once it has gone through liquefaction, the CO2 will then go on to be transported for permanent storage. The aim of this BECCS facility has a goal of liquefying and storing an estimated eight million tonnes of biogenic CO2, throughout the first ten years of operation. To help the project complete this goal, the European Innovation Fund is supporting the project. The European Innovation Fund is one of the largest programs in the world, when it comes to promoting innovative low-carbon technologies.

Air Liquide’s new and forward-thinking Cryocap™ LQ technology provides many benefits, including being chemical free and it also has a non-flammable process, along with a compact design. Furthermore, the way the technology is set up, means that any heat generated from the process can be recovered and reused and can then go into use within Stockholm’s district heating network. Combining all these features, means that the technology provides enhanced sustainability and safety, whilst also supplying best-in-class energy efficiency when it is compared to ‘common’ and traditional liquefaction solutions.

Group Vice President supervising Engineering & Construction at Air Liquide, Philippe Merino, said, "We are pleased that Air Liquide’s technology has been selected for the Stockholm Exergi innovative CCS project. Cryocap™ LQ CO2 liquefaction technology is a new addition to Air Liquide’s portfolio of low-carbon technologies, and is particularly suited to large scale CCS projects. In line with Air Liquide’s strategic plan ADVANCE, Air Liquide’s ambition is to contribute actively to the emergence of a low-carbon society. Drawing on our innovative capabilities and expertise we are able to help our customers achieve their decarbonization goals and forge a sustainable future."