Trinity spinout scales DAC technology in Ireland

IRELAND could see its first scaled direct air capture (DAC) system deployed, after capture firm NEG8 Carbon signed an agreement to scale up its technology.

The Waterford-based company, a spinout from Trinity College Dublin, has developed an electrostatic DAC system and plans to scale it to a modular unit capable of capturing 50 t/y of CO2.

NEG8 has signed a deal with Kilkenny- and Cork-based engineering firm Prochem Engineering to deliver the project.

Sorbent technology

NEG8’s electrostatic DAC system draws ambient air through the unit using large fans, passing it over a solid sorbent material that attracts and captures CO2 through electrostatic interactions.

When the sorbent is heated, the concentrated CO2 is released and can be permanently stored underground or used in products such as concrete or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

NEG8 says the technology is based on modular, scalable “plug-and-play” units designed for deployment in larger capture installations.

DAC in the UK

Last year, NEG8 joined a project to develop large-scale electro-SAF (eSAF) in the UK, supported by a £1m (US$1.3m) investment.

The project aims to combine CO2 captured using DAC with hydrogen and nuclear-generated electricity to create eSAF, which is expected to cut lifecycle emissions by around 90% compared with conventional jet fuel.

To date, NEG8 has validated its technology through a pilot system that has captured 1.2 t/y of CO2. The company expects its scaled demonstration unit to be tested later this year.

John Breen, CTO of NEG8, said: “The 50 t/y unit will serve to validate NEG8’s system as a leading engineered carbon capture technology that will support industries and governments in their drive to net zero and beyond to negative carbon emissions.”