A look at the point-source carbon capture technologies currently being evaluated at the National Carbon Capture Center
Behind every project below is a developer moving a promising technology closer to commercial readiness. The NCCC gives them a neutral site to generate the credible, real-world data that scale-up decisions depend on.
See how the testing process works >> Developer Technology Testing
Cormetech Monolithic Sorbent Module
With DOE funding, CORMETECH is s developing a solid-sorbent carbon capture process for natural gas power plants. The technology uses an amine-supported, honeycomb-style monolith to capture CO2 and release it through steam-assisted regeneration. Bench-scale testing at the NCCC is evaluating capture performance, product purity and long-term operation under realistic conditions.
Decarbontek Electrified MOF-Based Carbon Capture
Decarbontek is developing a carbon capture process that combines metal-organic framework (MOF) sorbents with all-electric regeneration. The technology uses rapid adsorption and desorption cycles to capture and release CO2 while avoiding the need for steam-based regeneration.
ExxonMobil-MHI Advanced Solvent
ExxonMobil and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries evaluated an advanced amine solvent designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) while reducing emissions and solvent degradation. Pilot-scale testing demonstrated greater than 95% CO₂ capture and stable long-term operation. The technology is intended to help lower operating costs and improve performance for future carbon capture facilities.
Helios-NRG Membrane
Helios-NRG, in collaboration with the University at Buffalo, is developing advanced thin-film membrane technology that selectively separates CO2 from flue gas. NCCC testing demonstrated strong performance and stability during extended operation under realistic conditions. The technology is designed for scalable manufacturing and has the potential to provide a lower-cost approach to post-combustion carbon capture.
KC8 Capture Technologies UNO MK 3
KC8 Capture Technologies‘ UNO MK3 process uses a catalytically enhanced precipitating solvent to capture CO2 from flue gas. Precipitation increases the solvent’s CO₂ capacity, allowing flexibility in the timing of regeneration and potentially reducing energy requirements. NCCC testing has focused on validating process performance, operational flexibility and the technology’s unique ability to store captured CO2 for later regeneration. The process is designed to reduce energy requirements while supporting flexible power plant operation.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) 3-D Packing
Over 4,000 operating hours, LLNL evaluated advanced 3D-printed structured packing designed to improve contact between flue gas and solvent, potentially reducing carbon capture equipment size and cost. Testing at the NCCC compared the performance of LLNL’s novel designs against commercially available packing materials using coal- and natural gas-derived flue gas.
National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Fiber Optic Sensors
NETL is developing fiber-optic sensors to monitor CO2 concentrations in flue gas and detect changes in solvent condition. The technology is designed to provide real-time data that supports system monitoring, troubleshooting and solvent management. Cumulative NCCC test totaled more than 16,500 hours.
SRI International Mixed Salt Process (MSP)
SRI’s mixed salt process uses a solvent made from commercially available potassium and ammonium salts to capture CO2 from power plant flue gas. A 0.5-megawatt demonstration evaluated process performance, operability and CO₂ product quality under representative operating conditions. The technology is designed to reduce energy requirements while maintaining strong performance under a range of operating conditions.
SUNY Buffalo/Rensselaer Sorbent
A team led by SUNY Buffalo and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is developing an advanced solid sorbent for carbon capture using pressure swing adsorption. Testing at the NCCC demonstrated high CO2 capture efficiency, high product purity and stable operation under realistic flue-gas conditions. The technology is designed to reduce energy use while maintaining durability and resistance to moisture.
Susteon’s SUSTENOL™ Solvent
Susteon is developing SUSTENOL, a water-lean mixed-amine solvent designed to improve the efficiency of CO2 capture from power plant flue gas. Pilot-scale testing at the NCCC targets 95% capture and compares solvent performance, stability, losses and emissions with conventional monoethanolamine (MEA). Testing began in July and has included both coal- and natural gas-derived flue gas to assess performance under different operating conditions.