Review of Post-Combustion Carbon Capture in Europe: Current Technologies and Future Strategies for Largest CO 2 -Emitting Industries

Luísa Marques (), Miguel Monteiro, Charles Cenci, Maria Mateus () and José Condeço
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Luísa Marques: c 5 Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Linda-a-Velha, Portugal
Miguel Monteiro: c 5 Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Linda-a-Velha, Portugal
Charles Cenci: c 5 Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Linda-a-Velha, Portugal
Maria Mateus: c 5 Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Linda-a-Velha, Portugal
José Condeço: c 5 Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Linda-a-Velha, Portugal

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-42

Abstract: Heavy industry is a significant contributor to CO 2 global emissions, accounting for approximately 25% of the total. In Europe, the continent’s largest emitting industries, including steel, cement, and power generation, face significant decarbonization challenges due to multiple interrelated factors. Heavy industry must achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the 13th United Nations Sustainable Goals. One strategy to achieve this goal involves Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) with post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) technologies playing a critical role. Key methods include absorption, which uses chemical solvents like amines; adsorption, employing solid sorbents; cyclic CO 2 capture, such as calcium looping methods; cryogenic separation, which involves chilling flue gas to liquefy CO 2 ; and membrane separation, leveraging polymeric materials. Each technology offers unique advantages and challenges, necessitating hybrid approaches and policy support for widespread adoption. In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing European pilot and demonstration units and projects, funded by the EU across several industries. It specifically focuses on PCC. This study examines 111 industrial facilities across Europe, documenting the PCC technologies deployed at plants of varying capacities, geographic locations, and operational stakeholders. The review further evaluates the techno-economic performance of these systems, assessing their potential to advance carbon neutrality in heavy industries.

Keywords: post-combustion carbon capture; absorption; adsorption; cyclic CO 2 capture; cryogenic separation; membrane separation; techno-economic assessments (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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