Australia opens first carbon recycling plant turning CO2 into concrete and glass on Kooragang Island
mezha.netAustralia has opened its first carbon refinery on Kooragang Island in New South Wales. The demonstration plant, developed by MCI Carbon, captures CO2 from ammonia production at Orica's facility and converts it into building materials like concrete, paper, and glass. It can capture up to 2,500 tonnes of CO2 per year using mineral carbonation, a natural process that locks carbon into rock. Unlike traditional carbon capture and storage, which buries CO2 underground, this CCUS approach creates a sellable product. Australia's Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the technology helps businesses decarbonize while earning profits. MCI is also planning a larger plant in Austria that could capture 50,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The project was covered by Reuters and attended by officials from Japan and Austria.