Researchers and engineers are currently exploring different avenues for carbon sequestration. One of the most operational is the capture of CO2 at particularly high-emission facilities (thermal power plants, petrochemical and iron and steel plants) using flue gas filtration systems. This carbon can then be reused in an industrial process or transported to be reinjected into the subsoil, for example in disused oil wells. This is the solution employed in the DMXTM pilot plant developed in Dunkirk by Axens in partnership with TotalEnergies, ArcelorMittal and IFP Energies nouvelles. The process involves capturing the CO2 contained in blast furnace fumes (using DMX solvent), conditioning it and transporting it to the North Sea for injection into an oil well.

Artelia pre-dimensioned and then carried out the detailed design of this pilot plant (piping, structure, electricity, instrumentation) in collaboration with the manufacturer of the modules (ETCI), which aims to decarbonize atmospheric emissions from the Dunkirk steelworks. Inaugurated in March 2022, this full-scale pilot plant, which requires 30% less energy than previous processes, is set to capture 4,000 t of C02 per year. It is the last stage before the final industrial installation, which is expected to capture one million tonnes per year. This project has received European funding as part of the H2020 programme, as well as funding from ADEME as part of the Avenir investment programme.