Project description
Turning waste into carbon-cutting concrete
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are expensive and need large, complex infrastructure. Current methods struggle to be both sustainable and commercially viable. While reducing atmospheric CO2 is essential, existing solutions do not generate income. Additionally, waste materials are often difficult to repurpose effectively. In this context, the ERC-funded MIN CO2 project will test whether noncombustible solid waste can be reacted with CO2 and water to create a valuable material for concrete. This process could lower CO2 emissions and generate income by producing building materials with a low carbon footprint. If successful, the technology could be commercialised and widely adopted in factories.
Objective
The goal of MIN CO2 is to test the innovation and commercialisation potential of an idea for: i) increasing sustainability, ii) decreasing atmospheric CO2 and iii) producing a valuable, low CO2 footprint building material from noncombustible solid waste. Results from our ERC research led to the idea: Can we react waste materials with CO2 and water to produce fine grained material of value for new concrete? Current solutions for CCS are expensive and require extensive infrastructure but if this idea works, the technology will generate income; our estimates suggest ~ 50 €/T from the sale of the end product. In MIN CO2, we shall test the idea and optimise the system parameters at bench scale, then design, build and test a laboratory prototype reactor, where rate of reaction and formation of a minimum viable product can be achieved in a flowthrough process, bringing us from our current TRL 2 to TRL 4. One patent has been submitted; others will follow as appropriate. Our preliminary market analysis and business case, as well as discussions with potential partners (waste suppliers, a local waste-to-energy plant and a concrete company), bode well for writing a proposal for Innovation Funding at the end of the POC grant. Larger company stakeholders promise investment when we are able to demonstrate viability in a factory pilot (TRL 6). Our long term goal is a startup, that sells CO2 Traps and knowhow for installation into existing factory chimneys, for European and eventually global markets. Initial discussions with members of the public and the media range from positive to enthusiastic because most of society’s fears about CCS are avoided with our approach. As our prospective partner from the concrete industry summarised, “If this works, it will be big”. Our small, dedicated team is convinced that it will.
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept GrantsHost institution
2800 Kongens Lyngby
Denmark