Scientists say they can slash carbon capture costs

Australian researchers say they can cut the costs of expensive carbon capture by at least $20 (£13). Carbon capture and storage technologies help prevent the release of carbon emissions into […]

Australian researchers say they can cut the costs of expensive carbon capture by at least $20 (£13).

Carbon capture and storage technologies help prevent the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) claims its new UNO MK3 system which uses potassium carbonate, a solvent similar to baking soda, helps reduce energy requirements by up to 20%. It is also expected to reduce separation and capture costs of carbon emissions from power stations by 75-80%.

Barry Hooper, CO2CRC Chief Technologist believes they have achieved a step change in the technology.

He said: “CO2CRC capture research focuses on three aspects of carbon capture to make improvements to the overall system – the separation medium, the right equipment and integration with power plant operations.

“By applying our research in each of these areas we believe we have achieved a step change in capture technology.”

The research programme aims to reduce carbon capture costs by 50-70% with the UNO MK3 system currently at its pilot stage.

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