CarbonQuest, the U.S.-based carbon capture and storage (CCS) provider, and Carbfix, Europe’s leading CO2 mineral storage operator, have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership aimed at addressing emissions from “hard-to-abate” industries in North America. This collaboration will see both companies deploying Distributed Carbon Capture and Storage (DCCS) solutions, making decarbonization more accessible and efficient for medium-scale emitters in the United States and Canada.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Carbfix and CarbonQuest, the two entities will combine their expertise to tackle carbon emissions and mineralization at point sources. Their joint efforts will primarily target industries like manufacturing and utilities, which encounter unique challenges in reducing emissions. By strategically locating emitters near mineralization-ready sites, the partnership aims to streamline the development of onsite CCS projects for both new and existing facilities.
CarbonQuest’s innovative modular DCCS technology features compact solid sorbents designed to capture CO2 in space-constrained environments. This system seamlessly integrates into industrial facilities, utility infrastructure, and campus power generation setups such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems and fuel cells. The captured CO2 is then liquefied for easy transport to mineralization sites or local businesses.
On the other hand, Carbfix offers a transformative solution by dissolving CO2 in water and injecting it into porous basaltic rock formations. Within a span of two years, the CO2 undergoes a chemical transformation, converting into stable carbonate minerals, effectively turning it into stone. Carbfix’s proven technology is already commercially established across Europe, and through this partnership, the company aims to expand to new locations for CO2 mineralization, thereby driving commercial growth across North America.
Edda Aradóttir, CEO of Carbfix, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Carbfix is excited to collaborate with CarbonQuest to further our presence in North America. We see significant potential for carbon mineralization in various business scenarios, from co-location to mineralization hubs. This MOU will ensure that, together, we can bring impactful projects to fruition in the U.S. and Canada.”
Shane Johnson, CEO of CarbonQuest, highlighted the partnership’s potential to accelerate the adoption of carbon capture technologies throughout North America. He emphasized the numerous opportunities present in both new and existing applications, noting that Carbfix’s solution provides a cost-effective and permanent method to mineralize captured CO2, even for emitters located far from a mineralization hub. This aligns with their shared goal of localizing the entire CO2 capture and mineralization process.
CarbonQuest’s approach focuses on capturing CO2 emissions from small- and medium-scale emitters before they are released into the atmosphere. Their broader objective is to assist businesses in meeting their GHG Protocol requirements and Science-Based Targets (SBTi) while significantly reducing their carbon footprint. The company integrates its carbon capture system with other sustainable solutions, such as renewable energy sources like solar power, energy efficiency systems, and partial electrification, to enhance emissions reductions and energy savings.
Carbfix, on the other hand, leverages over a decade of expertise in CO2 mineral storage, offering a natural and permanent solution by transforming CO2 into stone underground in under two years. The company collaborates with businesses globally to promote safe and scalable carbon mineral storage through feasibility studies, pilot programs, facility construction, and full-scale commercial operations.
Some of Carbfix’s key projects include the Silverstone Project, a groundbreaking initiative funded by the EU to implement full-scale CO2 capture, injection, and mineral storage at Iceland’s Hellisheði ON Power plant. This project aims to convert the plant into one of the world’s first geothermal power facilities with a near-zero carbon footprint. Additionally, the Nesjavellir Pilot Plant, launched in 2023, represents a crucial step in optimizing Carbfix’s capture technology and paving the way for future large-scale projects.
By combining innovative solutions and expertise, CarbonQuest and Carbfix are leading the charge towards a sustainable future while assisting businesses in achieving net-zero emissions. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in North America’s journey towards decarbonization, showcasing the potential for distributed carbon capture and mineralization projects to drive environmental progress in the region.
