A Detailed Guide for Carbon Capture Startups

It's no secret that the world is facing some significant environmental challenges. Climate change is a real and pressing issue, and we must do something about it. One potential solution is carbon capture. Carbon capture startups are emerging all over the world, and they have the potential to make a real difference.

Lot of dark smoke coming out from a factory.
Photo by Chris LeBoutillier on Unsplash

This blog post will provide a detailed guide about carbon capture startups. We'll explain how carbon capture works and why it's crucial. We'll also introduce you to some of the most exciting carbon capture startups. So if you're interested in learning more about these startups, read on!

What Are Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)?

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is a process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and storing them in underground reservoirs. This technology can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down the process of climate change. CCS is still in its early stages of development, but several CCS projects are already underway worldwide.

How Does Carbon Capture Work?

There are two main methods of capturing carbon dioxide: pre-combustion and post-combustion. Pre-combustion carbon capture involves capturing CO₂ before it is released into the atmosphere. This can be done by using a process called gasification, which converts coal into a gas before it is burned. The CO₂ can then be separated from the other gases and captured. Post-combustion carbon capture involves capturing CO₂ after it has been released into the atmosphere. This can be done by using absorption, which removes CO₂ from the exhaust gases of power plants.

Why Is Carbon Capture Necessary?

Carbon capture is essential because it has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases like CO₂ trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. If we can capture and store these emissions, it will help slow down the climate change process. CCS is also critical because it provides a way to use fossil fuels without releasing emissions into the atmosphere. This is important because we rely on fossil fuels for a significant amount of our energy, but they are a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. CCS provides a way to continue using these fuels without harming the environment.

Types of carbon capture technologies:

Chemical Absorption

This technology uses a solvent to absorb CO₂ from flue gases. The CO₂-rich solvent is then pressurized and heated to release the CO₂, which can be captured and used. Chemical absorption is the most common type of carbon capture technology and can be retrofitted to existing power plants.

Solid Sorbents

This technology uses a solid material (usually a metal oxide) to absorb CO₂ from flue gases. The sorbent is then heated to release the CO₂, which can be captured and used.

Membranes

This technology uses a semipermeable membrane to separate CO₂ from other gases in the flue gas. The CO₂-rich gas is then sent to a collection system for capture and use. Membrane separation is less common than other carbon capture technologies, but it has the potential to be more energy-efficient.

Cryogenic Separation

This technology uses extreme cold (-150°C/-238°F or colder) to turn CO₂ into a liquid. The CO₂-rich fluid is then sent to a collection system for capture and use. Cryogenic separation is less common than other carbon capture technologies, but it has the potential to be more energy-efficient.

Direct Air Capture (DAC)

This technology uses a solvent to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere. The CO₂-rich solvent is then pressurized and heated to release the CO₂, which can be captured and used. DAC is less common than other carbon capture technologies, but it has the potential to be more energy-efficient.

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

This technology injects CO₂ into an oil field to increase oil production. The CO₂ is then captured and used. EOR is less common than other carbon capture technologies, but it has the potential to be more energy-efficient.

How Do Carbon Capture Startups Work?

Carbon capture startups are working to develop new technologies and methods for capturing carbon dioxide. They are also working to create new markets for carbon capture so that the process can be used on a larger scale. Many of these startups are still in the early stages of development, but a few are already making progress.

The following five carbon capture startups have attracted quite a lot of investor interest.

Carbon Engineering

Carbon Engineering is a Canadian startup working to develop direct air capture technology. This technology captures CO₂ from the atmosphere and can be used to create fuels and other products. Carbon Engineering has already built a prototype plant in Squamish, BC, and is now working on a commercial-scale plant.

Climeworks

Climeworks is a Swiss startup working on direct air capture technology. Climeworks has developed a plant that can capture up to 900 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The company plans to use the captured CO₂ to make products like fizzy drinks and concrete.

Global Thermostat

Global Thermostat is a US-based startup working on a different type of carbon capture technology. Global Thermostat's technology captures CO₂ from power plants and industrial facilities and stores it in underground reservoirs. The company has already built a demonstration plant in Alabama and is working on a commercial-scale plant.

GreenAir

GreenAir is a Canadian startup developing a bio-CCS technology. This technology captures CO₂ from power plants and industrial facilities and stores it in algae. The algae then use the CO₂ to grow and can be used to create products like biodiesel.

Svante

Svante is a Canadian startup working on bio-CCS technology. Svante's technology captures CO₂ from power plants and industrial facilities and stores it in mineral deposits. The company has already built a demonstration plant in Alberta and is working on a commercial-scale plant.

These are just a few of the many carbon capture startups making progress in developing new technologies and methods for capturing carbon dioxide. Carbon capture is an essential step in combating climate change, and these startups are leading the way in making it happen.

The Future of CCS and the Role of Startups

The future of CCS looks promising, and startups will play a significant role in making it happen. There is a lot of work to be done in developing new technologies and methods for capturing carbon dioxide, and these startups are just the beginning. With continued progress, CCS could become a significant part of the fight against climate change.

Conclusion

The fledgling carbon capture and storage industry are working to create technologies that can prevent industrial greenhouse gas emissions from reaching the atmosphere. These startups are supported by investors who see the need to address climate change. The first large-scale projects are underway, but it will take many years and billions of dollars of investment before carbon capture and storage can become a significant force in the fight against climate change.

The most important thing, for now, is to continue developing and testing new technologies and to find ways to make carbon capture and storage more economically viable. With time and investment, carbon capture and storage could play a significant role in mitigating climate change.

If you're interested in investing in carbon capture and storage startups, do your research and due diligence before making any decisions.

Do you know of any other carbon capture startups that are making progress? Let us know in the comments!