A new carbon capture approach developed at Texas A&M University is claiming to significantly reduce the cost of industrial decarbonisation by using a simple physical principle: dissolving carbon dioxide in water under pressure.
The process, known as Pressure Induced Carbon Capture (PICC), relies on water and controlled pressure changes to absorb and release CO₂ from industrial exhaust streams. Unlike conventional systems that use chemical solvents such as amines, PICC operates through physical absorption — similar to how carbon dioxide dissolves in a sealed soda bottle and escapes when opened.
A Simpler Alternative to Chemical Capture
Traditional amine-based carbon capture technologies dominate the market but face cost and efficiency challenges. They typically capture around 90% of carbon dioxide emissions and cost between $50 and $100 per metric ton of CO₂ removed. In addition, amines degrade over time and require energy-intensive regeneration.
According to its developers, PICC can capture and compress up to 99% of carbon dioxide emissions for approximately $26 per metric ton. By introducing a small amount of lime to the water, the system reportedly achieves near-100% capture at a cost below $28 per ton — including carbon dioxide originating from combustion air.
The process involves cooling and compressing flue gas from power plants or industrial facilities before introducing it into an absorption column where it contacts cold water. CO₂ dissolves under high pressure, while cleaner gas exits the system. The CO₂-rich water is then depressurised in stages, allowing the gas to bubble out for compression and storage.
Implications for Industrial Decarbonisation
If scalable, the technology could offer a lower-cost pathway for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, steel, hydrogen production and thermal power generation. It may also complement biomass combustion systems to enable negative emissions.
For the broader clean energy ecosystem, lower-cost carbon capture solutions could influence carbon credit markets, industrial transition strategies and policy frameworks targeting net-zero commitments.
While commercial deployment and large-scale validation remain key next steps, the claimed cost reduction positions pressure-based carbon capture as a potential disruptor in the evolving carbon management landscape.
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