Joint declaration on CCS infrastructure investments in Flanders and Wallonia
Mons - For the first time, the Flemish and Walloon governments have joined forces with industry leaders to accelerate carbon capture, storage, and transport (CCS) in Belgium. In a landmark declaration signed at Holcim’s Obourg site in Mons, both regions pledged to enable the necessary investments in CO₂ infrastructure, positioning Belgium as a key hub for decarbonisation in North-West Europe.
The declaration was signed by Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele and Walloon Minister-President Adrien Dolimont, alongside the CEOs of 17 major industrial companies and the heads of employers’ organisations Voka and AKT. These companies represent the bulk of Belgium’s industrial CO₂ emissions, that are often difficult to reduce through conventional means.
Impact and Ambition
The proposed CCS projects could reduce Belgium's annual CO₂ emissions significantly. In the declaration the Flemish and Walloon Minister-Presidents also commit to implement measures to help mitigate risks for the development of CO₂ transport infrastructure and as such create the conditions for viable CCS investments and safeguarding industrial competitiveness, jobs, and climate targets.
Industry and Government in Dialogue
Turning the vision into reality demands early action and close collaboration. By joining forces, governments and industry can establish the right conditions to unlock investments, reduce uncertainty, and build market confidence for CCS projects.
Fluxys’ pivotal role
The event featured three high-level panel discussions, and one of the panels brought together Fluxys CEO as well as President of the board of Fluxys c-grid Pascal De Buck and ENGIE Belgium CEO Vincent Verbeke to discuss the importance of aggregating CO₂ volumes and the critical role of infrastructure in building a viable, efficient CCUS system.
Fluxys CEO & President of the board of Fluxys c-grid; Pascal De Buck
Signatories Driving Change
The 17 companies endorsing the declaration include; AGC Group, Air Liquide, ArcelorMittal Belgium, BASF, Borealis, Carmeuse, Cementir Holding N.V., ENGIE, Equinor, Fluxys c-grid, Heidelberg Materials Benelux, Holcim Belgium, INEOS, Lhoist, North Sea Port, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, TotalEnergies.
About Fluxys c-grid
Fluxys c-grid was established in 2023 as a subsidiary of Fluxys Belgium, which holds a majority stake of 77.5%. Partners Pipelink and Socofe each hold 10%, while SFPIM has a 2.5% share in Fluxys c-grid.
Founded with the aim of becoming the operator of CO₂ transport infrastructure on Belgian territory and supporting industry in its efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy, Fluxys c-grid in February 2025 submitted its candidacy to become CO₂ Network Operator in both Wallonia and Flanders. In July, Fluxys c-grid was appointed as the operator responsible for the development and management of a CO₂ transport network in Wallonia.