Newcastle CCU pilot plant turns ammonia emissions into concrete and glass materials

A new carbon capture and utilisation pilot plant in Newcastle, Australia, will capture CO2 from ammonia production and turn it into usable materials like magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate. The MCi Carbon Myrtle Demonstration Plant is co-located at Orica's Kooragang Island site and aims to capture 1,000 tonnes of CO2 per year to produce 10,000 tonnes of mineral compounds. The plant uses mineral carbonation technology to lock CO2 into solid materials that can replace mined inputs in concrete, plasterboard, glass, and paper. The Australian government provided $14.5 million in funding through its Carbon Capture Technologies Program. This project targets hard-to-abate sectors like cement, chemicals, and steel where direct electrification is difficult.