Benoît Potier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Liquide, declared: "In line with its sustainability objectives, which include reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, Air Liquide's ambition is to contribute actively to the emergence of a low carbon society. Energy transition requires tackling complex projects and joining forces of both public and private sectors to make these projects a reality. We are very pleased that the Kairos@C project has been selected by the Innovation Fund and it will contribute towards the EU climate goals, thanks in particular to some innovative Air Liquide technologies. Air Liquide and BASF have been engaged in a strategic partnership in the port of Antwerp for over 50 years and this groundbreaking project opens a new chapter of our cooperation towards developing a more sustainable industry."
Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE says: "BASF wants to reduce its CO2 emissions by 25 percent by 2030 compared with 2018 and achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. To reach these ambitious goals, we must use all available technologies. Especially for BASF’s Verbund site in Antwerp, due to its prime location in the Port of Antwerp with direct sea access, CCS is an attractive solution to reduce CO2 emissions from production processes on an industrial scale within a relatively short timeframe. Therefore, Kairos@C can become another important step on our path to climate neutrality."
The European Innovation Fund is one of the world's largest programs for promoting innovative low-carbon technologies to decarbonize Europe’s industry. Receiving this funding is an essential milestone in making a final investment decision and starting the execution of this project.