Technology
Why lime-based CDR?
Origen’s technology is grounded in our belief that the world needs low-cost, scalable CDR today.
Origen’s zero-carbon process centres on the production of lime, a mineral used in everything from cement and steel production to soil amendments and water filters. Lime also has an incredible property – it reacts naturally with carbon dioxide (CO2) in the ambient air, and can store carbon permanently. Lime is manufactured by calcining limestone, a widely available and low-cost mineral.
But there’s a catch. Lime manufacturing emits 1 tonne of CO2 per 1 tonne of lime produced, which means we are unable to use conventionally-produced lime for carbon removal today.
Origen’s breakthrough zero-carbon lime technology
Origen has developed an innovative technology, ZerCaL™, using two proven processes – oxy-fueled combustion and flash calcination.
Limestone (calcium carbonate) is reacted with pure oxygen across multiple cyclones and broken down at high temperatures in our oxy-fueled flash calciner. This process results in two separated products: quicklime, a finely-grained type of lime that is reactive to CO2; and a pure stream of carbon dioxide, requiring very minimal CO2 treatment for storage. The lime can be utilised for carbon removal using a contactor via multiple pathways, including Direct Air Capture (DAC). The sequestered CO2 can be injected permanently underground, re-mineralised, or used as a product input.
The takeaway: Origen’s innovative technology enables the production of zero-carbon lime that unlocks multiple pathways to carbon removal while decarbonising hard-to-abate emissions.

Key benefits of Origen’s technology
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