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

Stay up to date with our progress by checking News and Updates.

You can also find out more about what we’re doing via our company LinkedIn.