Waterford company enters landmark agreement on national carbon engineering study
Pictured at the signing of the agreement were, from left: Erik Malan (Senior Mechanical Engineer, NEG8 Carbon), Marie Ahern (Process Design Lead, Prochem Engineering), John Breen (Chief Technology Officer, NEG8 Carbon), Michael Kent (Director, Prochem Engineering), Paul Kearns (Project Manager, Prochem Engineering), Ray Naughton (Founder & Managing Director, NEG8 Carbon)
A landmark agreement for an engineering study to define the detailed project specifications of Ireland’s first full-scale carbon capture system has been signed between Waterford-based company, NEG8 Carbon, which is a direct air capture specialist business, and engineering consultancy firm, Prochem Engineering.
A spokesperson for the business told Waterford News & Star that the full-scale system will be the first module of NEG8 Carbon’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to be developed. The module - to attract and capture 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide (COâ) per annum - will be built at the NEG8 Carbon's Waterford headquarters, on the Cork Road in the city.
The company specialises in developing novel electrostatic DAC technology for capturing COâ from the atmosphere to combat climate change and help industries achieve net-zero emissions targets.
The engineering study agreement with Prochem, which has bases in Kilkenny and Cork, marks a significant step forward in NEG8’s journey to develop the company’s unique electrostatic technology that will make DAC more affordable, efficient and scalable as NEG8 journeys to large-scale commercial deployment across the globe.
The business's electrostatic DAC technology works by drawing in air and passing it over a specifically designed sorbent system that attracts and captures COâ molecules which can then be permanently and safely stored underground or converted into climate-neutral carbon products, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Dr John Breen, Chief Technology Officer at NEG8 Carbon, said: “The 50 tonne/annum unit will serve to validate NEG8’s system as a leading engineered carbon capture technology that will support industries and governments in their drive to net-zero and beyond to negative carbon emissions.”
Michael Kent, Director at Kilkenny-headquartered Prochem Engineering, said: “Prochem Engineering is proud to contribute its specialist engineering expertise to NEG8 Carbon’s carbon capture initiative, a landmark project designed to address the urgent challenges of global warming and environmental sustainability."
"This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of NEG8 Carbon and Prochem Engineering to deliver innovative, sustainable engineering solutions that support meaningful environmental progress and a lower-carbon future," said Mr Breen.
“We are excited to be working alongside NEG8 Carbon on this groundbreaking project, which highlights the exceptional level of engineering capability, innovation, and technical excellence available in Ireland”.
