Among the options for CO2 removal from combustion exhaust gases, amine-based chemical absorption is the most developed method. It is also the method dominating the current research field. URGENT has a broad competence in post-combustion CO2 capture by using amine-based solvents.
We are experts in process optimization, process simulation and cost estimation of carbon capture plants. At USN we have also developed a laboratory rig used to study CO2 capture. Amine degradation from these types of plants can contribute to challenging environmental impacts that need to be addressed, and solvent management is one of our research topics.
We have a close cooperation with industry and have contributed to the development of the CO2 capture plant at Heidelberg Materials in Brevik.
It is worth noting that the captured CO2 from emission sources has a negative value since the producer will have to pay for transport and storage. Therefore, CO2 could become a low-cost raw material and be utilized in production of valuable products. Among the methods being explored to utilize captured CO2 is ester formation.
Electrification of the industry is of key importance in the transition from a fossil to a green industry. For high-temperature processes, like cement production, this is challenging. However, replacing fuel combustion with electrical power gives some new possibilities in the form of integrated CO2 capture.
URGENT has for several years worked on electrification of cement calciners combined with CO2 capture. This may reduce CO2 emissions from cement plants by more than 70 percent, and by hybrid solutions close to 100 percent capture will likely be possible. Such technology may be applicable not only to the cement industry but also the lime industry and the pulp and paper industry.
