Columbus
Columbus receives support from European Innovation Fund
To make the transition away from fossil fuels and develop the hydrogen economy, Europe has foreseen different support mechanisms. ENGIE and Carmeuse regularly propose projects to such mechanisms, in order to contribute to the energy transition.
It is in this framework that ENGIE and Carmeuse now have received support from the European Innovation Fund for the Columbus project, in complement to the support already received via IPCEI. The Grant Agreement regarding the support of the European Innovation Fund was signed by ENGIE and Carmeuse on 14 December 2023.
The Innovation Fund aims to fund innovative first-of-a-kind projects that are not yet bankable, but are past the research stage. It focusses on highly innovative technologies and large big flagship projects with European added value, and it supports cross-cutting projects on innovative low-carbon solutions that lead to emission reductions in multiple sectors.
The support from the European Innovation Fund recognizes the added value and quality of the Columbus project and means an important step forward to bring the project to the final investment decision.
Remaining challenges are securing offtakers for the e-methane, green power sourcing and finalising permitting.
Columbus receives IPCEI support
With the Columbus project Carmeuse, ENGIE and John Cockerill have joined forces to reduce industrial CO2 emissions in Wallonia.
In order to make the transition away from fossil fuels and develop the hydrogen economy, Europe and Belgium have foreseen different support mechanisms. ENGIE and Carmeuse regularly propose projects to be supported by such mechanisms, in order to enable the investment. It’s in this framework that ENGIE and Carmeuse now have received support under the form of IPCEI for the Columbus project. IPCEI is the abbreviation of ’Important Project of Common European Interest’ and is meant to bridge the funding gap for projects that the private sector alone cannot finance such as investments in hydrogen technology. The support from IPCEI recognizes the added value and quality of the Columbus project and means an important step forward for taking on the remaining challenges such as the search for further investment funding, green power sourcing, permitting and finding off takers for the e-methane.
Visit of Walloon Minister-President
On August 31, the 3 partners Carmeuse, John Cockerill and ENGIE had the honor to welcome the Walloon Minister President Elio Di Rupo to the Columbus project at the ENGIE power plant of Amercoeur.
They had the chance to exchange with him on the importance of the project for the decarbonisation of the Walloon industry.
Visit Walloon Minister of Energy
On 13 May, the three partners of the Columbus project (Carmeuse, John Cockerill and ENGIE Belgium) had the honor of receiving the Walloon Minister of Energy, Philippe Henry, and his team, at the ENGIE site in Amercoeur. The importance of this project for the decarbonization of the Walloon industry was highlighted.
When it becomes concrete, the Columbus project will make it possible to avoid 160 kt of CO2 emissions per year and will become a showcase for the energy transition in Wallonia, a pioneer in the decarbonization of its industry.
Visit Walloon Minister of Economy
On September 3, Carmeuse, John Cockerill and ENGIE welcomed the Walloon Minister of Economy Willy Borsus and his team at the Engie site of Amercoeur.
The importance of Columbus for the decarbonization of the Walloon industry was highlighted at this occasion.
Febeliec Energy Award
ENGIE's Columbus "Power to Methane" project wins the Febeliec Energy Award 2020
On 2 February2021, Febeliec, the Federation of Belgian Industrial Energy Consumer, presented the Febeliec Energy Award 2020 to the Columbus project, a collaboration between ENGIE Generation Europ, Carmeuse and John Cockerill to produce a carbon neutral industrial fuel from C02.