Articles tagged with "carbon-capture"
Syncraft Builds High-Altitude Climate Positive Power Plant In The Swiss Alps - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a pioneering decentralized renewable energy project in the Swiss Alps by the cleantech company SYNCRAFT. The Engadine installation converts local forest residues into renewable electricity, usable heat, and biogenic carbon (biocoal), making it a climate-positive power plant. This approach not only generates clean energy but also sequesters carbon in solid form, contributing to long-term carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and supporting net-negative emissions goals. Central to the project is the CW1800-500 system, which integrates with existing infrastructure such as boilers and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) units. SYNCRAFT Automation’s advanced control platform is a key feature, enabling real-time data exchange, thermal circuit control, heat load balancing, indoor ventilation coordination, and overall system efficiency optimization. Despite the challenges of high-altitude construction, SYNCRAFT’s engineering teams have progressed with assembly, including pipework, electrical systems, and automation deployment. Manufactured in Europe to high industrial standards, the
energyrenewable-energybiomasscarbon-captureautomationclimate-positivepower-plantCatalyst mimics photosynthesis to turn CO2 into clean industrial fuel
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a novel catalyst inspired by photosynthesis that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into formate, a valuable industrial chemical, using only light, protons, and electrons. This ruthenium-based catalyst mimics the natural process of photosynthesis by storing solar energy in chemical bonds through proton and electron transfers triggered by light. The innovation addresses the urgent need to reduce atmospheric CO2 by not only capturing it but also transforming it into useful compounds for fuels, pharmaceuticals, and antimicrobial products. The team redesigned the catalyst’s structure by surrounding the metal center with ligand “petals,” shifting the chemical activity from the metal to the ligands. This approach prevents CO2 from binding directly to the metal, which traditionally leads to side reactions and catalyst degradation. As a result, the process selectively produces formate without generating competing byproducts like hydrogen or carbon monoxide. Additionally, this ligand-based mechanism allows for flexibility in the choice of the central metal; while ruthenium was used
energycatalystphotosynthesiscarbon-captureCO2-conversionrenewable-energychemical-synthesisDirect Air Carbon Capture Is Scaling Up, With Mineralization
The article discusses the evolving landscape of carbon capture technologies, with a particular focus on direct air capture (DAC) and mineralization as promising approaches for long-term carbon sequestration. While federal support for carbon capture in the US is declining—highlighted by the Department of Energy’s recent cancellation of a $3.7 billion decarbonization demonstration program—global efforts continue to advance. The article contrasts various carbon capture methods, noting that biofuels and electrofuels recirculate carbon but depend heavily on supportive public policies. More durable sequestration options include reforestation and reforming captured carbon into solid products, such as incorporating it into cement. Mineralization emerges as a key solution for sustainable, long-term carbon storage by chemically locking carbon dioxide into stable carbonate minerals through reactions with reactive igneous or metamorphic rocks. This method offers advantages over traditional underground sequestration in porous sedimentary rock, where carbon can potentially escape. The US Geological Survey estimates significant underground sequestration capacity, but
energycarbon-capturedirect-air-capturemineralizationdecarbonizationcarbon-sequestrationsustainable-technologyGeological CO₂ Storage: Massive Scale, Hidden Risks, Eternal Monitoring - CleanTechnica
The article critically examines the viability of geological carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration as a large-scale climate mitigation strategy. While geological storage has gained traction, partly due to less aggressive electrification scenarios and fossil fuel industry influence, real-world experience from enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations raises serious concerns about its effectiveness. EOR wells, which inject tens of millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually, already exhibit non-negligible leakage rates and mechanical integrity failures. These wells operate under less demanding conditions than dedicated sequestration wells, which must contain supercritical CO₂ under high pressure and corrosive environments for centuries or millennia. The higher risks of leakage and containment failure in future sequestration projects pose a significant challenge to meeting climate goals that require near-zero leakage over very long timescales. Scaling geological sequestration to the levels projected by organizations like the International Energy Agency—around 7.6 gigatonnes of CO₂ per year by mid-century—would require an unprecedented expansion of current capacity
energycarbon-capturegeological-storageCO2-sequestrationclimate-mitigationenhanced-oil-recoveryenvironmental-monitoringThe EPA, Power Plants And Planetary Boundaries - Everything Is Connected - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the recent announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to repeal all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants, effectively eliminating regulations established under previous administrations, notably those of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The EPA’s justification centers on the claim that carbon dioxide emissions from thermal power plants have decreased from about 5.5% of global emissions in 2005 to approximately 3% today, arguing that further reductions would have minimal impact on public health. The proposal includes repealing emission guidelines for existing fossil fuel steam units and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) standards for coal-fired plants and new turbines, signaling a significant rollback of environmental protections. Supporters of the rollback, including EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, former President Donald Trump, and industry representatives like the National Mining Association and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, praise the move as a boost to coal power, energy dominance, and economic development. They emphasize the importance of
energyEPApower-plantsgreenhouse-gas-emissionsfossil-fuelscarbon-captureenvironmental-policyAcid vapor lets CO2 capture tech run 4,500+ hours without failures
Researchers at Rice University have developed a simple yet effective modification to electrochemical carbon capture systems that dramatically extends their operational lifespan. By replacing the conventional water-based humidification of CO2 gas with mild acid vapors—such as hydrochloric, formic, or acetic acid—the team prevented the formation of potassium bicarbonate salt deposits that typically clog gas flow channels and flood electrodes. This acid vapor approach dissolves the problematic salts, allowing them to be carried away with the gas flow, thereby avoiding blockages that cause premature device failure. Testing showed that this acid-based humidification enabled stable operation for over 4,500 hours in a 100-square-centimeter electrolyzer—more than 50 times longer than the roughly 80 hours achievable with traditional water humidification. The method proved effective across various catalysts including silver, zinc oxide, copper oxide, and bismuth oxide, without causing significant membrane corrosion due to the low acid concentrations used. Because the modification requires only minor changes to existing humidification setups
energycarbon-captureCO2-reductionelectrochemical-systemscatalystsacid-vapormembrane-technologyThe EPA Wants to Roll Back Emissions Controls on Power Plants
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed rolling back emissions standards for power plants, which are the second-largest source of CO2 emissions in the country. This move comes shortly after NOAA reported record-high seasonal CO2 concentrations. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized previous administrations for prioritizing environmental regulations over economic growth, emphasizing the agency’s intention to support domestic fossil fuel industries, including coal, which has been in decline due to competition from natural gas and renewables. The proposed rollbacks would weaken Biden-era rules that required coal- and gas-fired power plants to reduce emissions by 90% by the early 2030s, primarily through carbon capture and storage technology. The EPA’s justification for the rollbacks includes the argument that US power sector emissions represent a small fraction (3%) of global emissions, and that continued coal use abroad diminishes the impact of US regulations on global greenhouse gas levels. However, critics highlight that the US power sector remains a major domestic polluter, ranking second only
energyEPApower-plantsemissionscarbon-capturefossil-fuelsclimate-policyNew method turns carbon emissions into solid cement ingredients
Researchers at the University of Michigan, led by chemist Charles McCrory, have developed a novel method to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and convert it into metal oxalates, stable solid compounds that can serve as precursors for cement production. This approach aims to transform CO₂, typically viewed as a waste product, into valuable building materials, potentially reducing the carbon footprint of construction. The work is part of efforts by the Center for Closing the Carbon Cycle (4C), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, which focuses on converting captured carbon into useful fuels and industrial products. The team’s innovation centers on using trace amounts of lead as a catalyst to convert CO₂ into metal oxalates via electrochemical reactions. By employing specially designed polymers, they reduced the lead catalyst to parts per billion—levels comparable to natural impurities—addressing previous environmental and health concerns associated with higher lead usage. In the process, CO₂ is electrochemically transformed into oxalate ions, which then combine with metal ions released from an electrode to form solid metal oxalates. These solids are stable and do not revert to CO₂ under normal conditions, making them promising for cleaner cement production. While electrolysis of CO₂ is already being scaled up industrially, the researchers note that further work is needed to scale the metal oxalate production step, but they remain optimistic about its feasibility. This breakthrough offers a potential pathway to reduce the environmental impact of traditional Portland cement manufacturing, which is energy-intensive and a major source of global carbon emissions. By turning pollution into building blocks, the research opens new avenues for sustainable construction materials and carbon capture utilization. The study detailing these findings was published in the journal Advanced Energy.
carbon-capturecement-productionsustainable-materialscarbon-dioxide-utilizationenergy-efficient-constructionmetal-oxalatesgreen-building-materialsClimeFi Unlocks Access To XPRIZE Winners With New Carbon Removal Portfolio Offering - CleanTechnica
ClimeFi has launched a new carbon removal portfolio that grants corporate buyers, climate investors, and procurement managers streamlined access to a diversified selection of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. These technologies were vetted and recognized through the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, which evaluated over 1,300 global teams and awarded top prizes to breakthrough projects such as Mati Carbon’s Enhanced Rock Weathering, NetZero’s Biomass CDR and Storage, Vaulted Deep’s underground waste storage, and UNDO Carbon’s Enhanced Rock Weathering. Together, these projects represent promising, scalable pathways for permanent atmospheric CO₂ removal. The ClimeFi portfolio offers a simplified, efficient procurement process by providing a single point of access to multiple validated technologies, pre-negotiated contracts, and lower minimum purchase thresholds, aiming to deliver over 50,000 tonnes of carbon removal by 2030. This approach addresses the growing demand for credible, durable, and auditable carbon credits in the maturing voluntary carbon market, combining rigorous scientific validation with commercial readiness. The collaboration between ClimeFi and XPRIZE exemplifies how competitions and asset management platforms can work together to scale global carbon removal solutions by connecting capital with vetted, investable projects.
energycarbon-removalclimate-technologysustainabilitycarbon-captureclean-energyenvironmental-technologySuperbug mines rare earths and captures carbon from thin air
rare-earthscarbon-capturebiotechnologysustainable-miningclimate-changemicrobial-engineeringenvironmental-sustainabilitySeabed sensors to monitor CO2 storage at UK offshore carbon capture site
energycarbon-captureenvironmental-monitoringoffshore-technologysubsea-sensorsnet-zeroCO2-storageBeyond the Hydrogen Mirage: A Candid Conversation with Joe Romm - CleanTechnica
energyhydrogencarbon-capturesustainabilityclimate-solutionsmethaneclean-technologyIdeology Accidentally Aligns with Reality: US $3.7B CCS Cancellation Explained - CleanTechnica
energycarbon-capturehydrogen-fuelsdecarbonizationfossil-fuelsclean-energyCCSMIT’s sodium fuel cell could fly electric planes while sucking CO2
energyfuel-cellelectric-aircraftsodium-air-batteryrenewable-energycarbon-captureenergy-densityLiving tattoos for buildings might turn urban walls into air purifiers
materialsenergypollutioncarbon-capturesustainable-architecturebioactive-surfacesurban-innovationMIT’s super carbon sucking tech is 6 times faster, 20% cheaper than rivals
energycarbon-captureclimate-changeMITnanofiltrationCO2-removalsustainable-technologyMicrobes capture CO2, developed this trait by adopting harsh conditions
energyclimate-changecarbon-capturemicrobessustainabilityenvironmental-scienceextremophilesSAF Startup To Leverage Green Hydrogen And Captured Carbon
energygreen-hydrogencarbon-capturesustainable-aviation-fuelrenewable-energybiomasselectrofuelsClimeworks’ DAC & Fiscal Collapse & The Brutal Reality Of Pulling Carbon From The Sky
energycarbon-capturedirect-air-captureclimate-technologyemissions-reductionthermodynamicsrenewable-energyHouse GOP wants to cut parts of the Inflation Reduction Act while sparing others
energyclean-energyelectric-vehiclescarbon-capturebattery-storageInflation-Reduction-Actsustainable-aviation-fuelUK Startup IDs A New Hope For Algae Biofuel: Carbon-Negative Production
energybiofuelcarbon-capturerenewable-energymicroalgaeclean-technologygreenhouse-gas-emissionsTriển vọng và thách thức của hydrogen phát thải thấp trong chiến lược chuyển đổi năng lượng toàn cầu
energyhydrogenrenewable-energygreenhouse-gas-reductionenergy-transitioncarbon-capturelow-emission-technology