Carbon Capture Gets a Factory Makeover in Europe

Carbon Circle and Bilfinger partner to deploy scalable CCUS units across Northwest Europe

14 Oct 2025

Carbon Circle and Bilfinger have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop modular carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects across Northwest Europe, in a move aimed at accelerating industrial decarbonization.

The partnership combines Carbon Circle’s compact, factory-built capture systems with Bilfinger’s engineering and construction expertise to create plug-and-play units that can be installed quickly at mid-sized industrial sites. The companies said this approach could make carbon capture more affordable and accessible to sectors such as cement, steel and chemicals, which are among Europe’s hardest to decarbonize.

“These modular solutions are expected to shorten installation times and help industries reduce emissions without waiting for major infrastructure investments,” said a Bilfinger project director.

The initiative comes as the EU tightens emissions rules and increases funding for industrial decarbonization. It aligns with expanding CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure, including Norway’s Northern Lights and the Netherlands’ Porthos projects, which aim to create a regional network for captured carbon.

Analysts view the collaboration as part of a broader shift toward standardized and replicable CCUS models that can be scaled across multiple industries. “We’re witnessing the transition from experimentation to execution,” said a clean energy consultant.

Neither company has announced a schedule for its first installations, and financing details remain undisclosed. Challenges such as site conditions and permitting are expected to shape the rollout timeline.

Still, industry observers say the partnership underscores growing efforts to bridge innovative technology with established industrial expertise. As Europe moves toward its 2030 climate targets, modular carbon capture could offer a practical route to cut emissions and bring large-scale CCUS closer to commercial reality.