Waterford firm NEG8's plans for full-scale carbon capture system take major step

NEG8 Carbon signs agreement for major study with engineering consultancy Prochem

The next step towards Ireland’s first full-scale carbon capture system has been taken with the signing of an agreement for an engineering study between direct air capture specialists, NEG8 Carbon, and engineering consultancy firm, Prochem Engineering. At the signing were Erik Malan, NEG8 Carbon, Marie Ahern, Prochem Engineering, John Breen, NEG8 Carbon, Michael Kent Prochem Engineering, Paul Kearns Prochem Engineering, and Ray Naughton, NEG8 Carbon.

The next step towards Ireland’s first full-scale carbon capture system has been taken with the signing of an agreement for an engineering study between direct air capture specialists, NEG8 Carbon, and engineering consultancy firm, Prochem Engineering.

Based at the IDA Business Park on the Cork Road in Waterford, NEG8 Carbon specialises in developing novel electrostatic direct air capture (DAC) technology for capturing CO2 from the atmosphere to combat climate change and contribute towards net-zero emissions targets.

NEG8 Carbon was founded in 2014 as a spin out from Trinity College Dublin and UCD. In 2021, NEG8 embarked on its commercialisation journey by relocating to Waterford, where the technology was demonstrated in a pilot scale DAC system. NEG8 aims to demonstrate it at full scale this year. 

Its full-scale carbon capture 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 CO2 per annum will be built at NEG8 Carbon's Waterford headquarters. The agreement will define project specifications of Ireland’s first full-scale carbon capture system.

The engineering study agreement with Kilkenny and Cork-based Prochem marks a significant step in NEG8’s journey to develop electrostatic technology that will make DAC more affordable, efficient, and scalable for large-scale commercial deployment globally.

“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,” said NEG8 Carbon chief technology officer John Breen. 

NEG8 Carbon's electrostatic DAC technology works by drawing in air using fans and extracting carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide can be permanently and safely stored underground or converted into climate-neutral carbon products, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel. 

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.

“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."

In November, NEG8 Carbon signed a contract for a project led by British tech consultancy firm Equilibrion aimed at decarbonising aviation fuel using low-carbon nuclear energy.