KEZO Advances Carbon Capture Initiatives with CATACARB® Pilot Plant in Switzerland
In a significant advancement towards combating climate change, KEZO, a waste management service provider located in the Zürcher Oberland region of Switzerland, has embarked on an ambitious carbon capture project utilizing CATACARB®'s innovative Hot Potassium Carbonate (HPC) technology. This initiative aims not only to enhance environmental sustainability but also to lead the way in the practical application of technology within the waste-to-energy sector.
The project is a collaboration with Sulzer, one of the world’s leading technology licensing firms, and involves the development of a pilot facility designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from KEZO's waste incineration plant located in Hinwil, Switzerland. The selected HPC technology from CATACARB has been tailored for its efficacy in handling challenging flue gas conditions, making it particularly suitable for the variability in waste supply and temperature fluctuations encountered in the waste processing industry.
The pilot plant’s design focuses on achieving a CO2 capture efficiency of 90%. This ambitious target will be verified through rigorous testing during the operational phase of the plant. One of the notable advantages of the CATACARB HPC process is its simplified solvent management, which emphasizes both health and safety while simultaneously reducing the overall energy consumption in comparison to traditional amine-based processes. The efficiency and sustainability of this pilot project are anticipated not only to yield important operational data but also to influence KEZO’s strategies surrounding commercial viability in carbon capture operations.
Gary Buckholz, CEO of CATACARB, expressed confidence in the technology, stating, "The decision to implement CATACARB's HPC technology is a noteworthy endorsement of its suitability for demanding industrial flue gases. This project marks a critical step forward in the fight against climate change, but we recognize that more action is required." Buckholz affirmed CATACARB's commitment to contributing to this initiative and looks forward to continuing collaboration with KEZO and Sulzer as they strive to operationalize carbon capture within waste management processes.
The data collected throughout this pilot project is set to play a key role in shaping the future of KEZO's operations, as it underscores the firm's commitment to pragmatic technology-driven decarbonization. Moreover, KEZO anticipates that results derived from this project will inform stakeholders about viable carbon capture technologies tailored for the waste energy sector and assist in making informed decisions regarding broader implementation in partnership with Sulzer.
The applicability of CATACARB's technology extends well beyond this project, catering to multiple industries that emit flue gases, including energy (cogeneration, biomass, and waste-to-energy), cement production, pulp and paper, gas processing, and petrochemicals. With such a wide range of industrial applicability, CATACARB's technology represents a vital tool in the journey toward sustainable industrial practices.
As this pilot project unfolds, it embodies a critical evolution in KEZO's operational framework and a broader movement within the industry striving for enhanced carbon management and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaborative partnerships, KEZO is setting an example for waste management entities worldwide, demonstrating a clear path towards a more sustainable future.