Capturing carbon where it is produced

© 2023 Rafael Castro-Amoedo / EPFL EPFL engineers propose a system-wide integration solution for carbon capturing and mineralisation in the cement production, steel manufacturing, and waste incineration sectors. EPFL engineers in Sion, Switzerland have demonstrated the potential for achieving net-zero and net-negative emissions in essential industrial sectors through the integration of carbon capture and mineralization directly into the industrial processes themselves. Focusing on cement production, steel manufacture, and waste incineration,. the study, published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science, offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient approach to reducing CO₂ emissions, contributing significantly to reaching global climate targets. The study introduces a solution to integrate CO₂ capture and mineralization within the production process itself. The mineralization reaction converts CO₂ to CO₃ in the form of carbonates, which are a safe and long-term storage solution for CO₂. As a further ecological benefit, carbonates can be used as a building material, and the mineralization by-products can be integrated into blended cement formulation.