GERMAN startup NeoCarbon has produced its first batch of industry-grade concrete using CO2 sequestered from its novel direct air capture (DAC) technology.
Working with carbon materials firm Carbonaide, the team used the process of carbon mineralisation, a chemical reaction where CO2 is permanently locked into concrete.
Making the first batch, produced using NeoCarbon’s DAC pilot programme NeoDuo, involved mixing 1 kg of captured carbon with biogenic waste, which is typically produced from natural carbon cycles including combustion and fermentation.
The cement and concrete industries account for around 8% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. NeoCarbon says its low-carbon concrete process results in a 50% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional cement making, which is traditionally powered using coal or petroleum coke.
René Haas, CEO of NeoCarbon, said: “The first shipment of captured CO2 represents a significant step in our mission to decarbonise the cement and concrete industry.”
DAC is traditionally achieved by capturing CO2 directly from ambient air. With CO2 comprising only 0.04% of the atmosphere, most DAC installations require large processing equipment and significant heat.
NeoCarbon claims it can bypass these energy and retrofitting needs by leveraging existing industrial heat networks.
The company captures CO2 from the waste heat produced from cooling towers and then directs it into a curing chamber, where it is permanently bound with concrete through a process called carbon curing. The company says around 140 kg of CO2 is required per m³ of concrete.
NeoCarbon’s first batch is an initial proof of concept for its technology, but it hopes to scale a DAC module capable of capturing 62.5 t/y of CO2.
The company has already built two autonomous DAC modules, with the latest having a nominal capture capacity of 5 t/y of CO2.
Alongside partners Carbonaide, NeoCarbon also announced plans to generate “high-quality” removal credits in 2025.
Tapio Vehmas, CEO of Carbonaide, said: “The partnership with NeoCarbon is a good start for deploying more innovative approaches to carbon capture and helping to scale the CDR (carbon dioxide removal) industry.
“By leveraging NeoCarbon’s Direct Air Capture technology, we aim to scale a modular and flexible CO2 supply, making the CO2 value chain more efficient.”
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