Norwegian carbon capture specialist Capsol Technologies has been commissioned by an unnamed partner to deliver a feasibility study on deploying its CapsolEoP technology at a European biomass-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant.
The project will assess the potential for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to turn the facility into a net-negative emissions source capable of removing more than 200,000 metric tons of CO2 annually.
The CHP facility, which runs on waste wood, already provides renewable heat to nearby communities.
By integrating carbon capture, the plant could further expand its role in the energy system, supplying additional output to the district heating network while generating durable carbon removal credits at a more competitive cost.
Johan Jungholm, Chief Business Development Officer at Capsol, described the study as a milestone for advancing BECCS: “Biomass with carbon capture is emerging as a cornerstone of the net zero toolbox. Partnering with a leading player on this landmark project accelerates the scale-up of negative emissions in Europe.”
Balancing Efficiency, Integration, and Cost
Capturing CO2 from biomass flue gases is energy intensive, creating an “efficiency penalty” that reduces the plant’s overall electricity generation. In CHP systems, this loss can be partly recovered through the use of waste heat, but careful design is needed to maintain reliability across both heat and power supply.
The variability of biomass fuels adds another layer of complexity. Differences in composition, such as moisture levels or ash content, can impact combustion and change flue gas characteristics, requiring flexible capture systems to perform consistently.
Operating patterns also matter: CHP facilities often run at fewer full-load hours when heat demand drops, leaving costly capture equipment underused.
Relevant: Capsol Technologies Advances Two Major US Carbon Capture Studies
Financially, retrofitting smaller CHP plants with BECCS faces higher costs per tonne of CO2 compared to larger-scale power plants. Economics are further shaped by subsidy frameworks, biomass supply risks, and the uncertain long-term valuation of negative emissions credits.
Despite these challenges, interest in BECCS is gaining momentum. Voluntary carbon markets contracted 15.48 million tons of durable removals in Q2 2025 alone.
Capsol is already advancing a pipeline representing 22.6 million tons of annual capture capacity, including three licensed bio-CCS projects such as Stockholm Exergi’s 800,000-ton facility now moving into development.
Read more: Capsol Technologies Reports Q1 2025 Results, Prepares To Break Even In 2026
