Australian technology to ReDeFINE carbon capture for heavy industries

Researchers at The University of Melbourne have partnered with carbon capture startup KC8 Capture Technologies to advance the latter’s carbon capture technology, with the aim of leading a step change in carbon capture for hard-to-abate industries in Australia and around the world.

The company has been awarded a $5.4 million grant from the Australian Government’s Carbon Capture Technologies Program to establish an $8.5 million Research and Demonstration Facility for Implementing Net-zero Emissions (ReDeFINE), with the additional funding provided by KC8 Capture Technologies and The University of Melbourne.

ReDeFINE will allow the collaborators to advance KC8’s ‘UNO MK3’ technology, which was developed with Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology researchers to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from higher-emitting industries.

The technology can capture up to 95% of CO₂ emissions from industries like cement and steel, using what is claimed to be a safer and more environmentally friendly process. Instead of relying on harmful chemicals, UNO MK3 uses potassium carbonate — a harmless substance commonly found in soap and glass — to trap carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere.

University project lead Professor Kathryn Mumford said the collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when university experts and industry work together to solve challenging problems.

Image caption: 3D representation of the UNO MK3 technology, which is being implemented in two demonstration facilities. Image credit: KC8 Capture Technologies.