During the second reporting period, significant progress was made in pilot testing to advance the objectives of CaLby2030. An additional 1,400 operational hours were completed at the La Pereda pilot operating under TRL6 conditions for biomass-fired and WtE plants, covering most planned activities. Notably, steady-state biomass-fueled oxy-calcination was successfully demonstrated, achieving CO2 capture efficiencies above 99% via Ca(OH)2 injection (even exceeding 100% under some conditions, as part of the CO2 in the combustion air was also captured in the carbonator). Additionally, the behavior of acid gases (HCl, HF, NOx, SO2) in the CFB carbonator and calciner was monitored in detail, generating valuable data for future CFB-CaL deployment in Bio-CHP and WtE plants doped with plastic polymers containing Cl and F. Further retrofits and one experimental campaign were conducted at the MAGNUS CFB-CaL facility in Stuttgart to adapt it to TRL6-relevant conditions for cement applications, accumulating approximately 200 hours of operational experience. These tests identified key operational challenges and highlighted the need for further retrofits, to be addressed in upcoming campaigns. Significant engineering progress was made on the newly constructed CaL-CFB pilot in Sweden. Despite some delays due to economic factors and redesign needs, detailed engineering was completed, and procurement, construction, and commissioning are currently underway. Advancements were also made in modelling and simulation. Non-validated CFB submodels and pilot-scale models were developed to optimize key parameters for high CO2 capture rates. Time series data for transient CFB-CaL operation in Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) applications were generated, along with improved simulation tools to analyze cyclone performance in the MAGNUS pilot. Additionally, base-case definitions and KPI calculations were completed for various CaL process applications, both with and without CO2 capture. Ongoing work includes process design simulations and techno-economic optimization for EAF-steel applications, particularly exploring solid storage options. A related patent application was submitted to the EPO by SFW. Moreover, the multi-criteria optimization methodology for CO2 transport from capture to storage or utilization sites was further refined to apply to potential future commercial-scale CFB-CaL demonstrations. Technical developments in retrofit concepts for first-of-a-kind CCUS applications in cement, steel, Bio-CHP, and WtE sectors proceeded as planned. Evaluations of integration strategies and multimodal CO2 transport solutions for industrial clusters are ongoing. Progress was also made in assessing the socio-economic and environmental aspects of CaLby2030. An initial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report was completed for the Bio-CHP case study. Research on societal acceptance of CaL-based CCUS also advanced, including the completion of a choice experiment survey validated through multiple focus groups, which will be implemented in the next reporting period. Semi-structured stakeholder interviews and discussions with CCUS experts provided valuable insights into societal readiness, helping to identify potential adoption and deployment barriers.
