Blue Planet Systems has developed a patented Geomimetic® Mineralization Technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) from any emission source and transforms it into carbon-negative aggregate for the construction industry. This innovative approach uses waste CO₂ and combines it with calcium sourced from industrial byproducts and waste materials to create synthetic limestone aggregate, permanently locking CO₂ within the material. Blue Planet provides a sustainable and circular solution to concrete production by mimicking the Earth's natural limestone formation process.
The technology uses CO₂ and "geomass,” a term for calcium-rich materials like demolished or returned concrete, cement kiln dust, steel slag, fly ash, bauxite residue, and silicate rocks. CO₂ is combined with this geomass to mineralize and form limestone aggregate. Waste concrete not only supplies calcium and alkalinity but also produces upcycled Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA). Upcycled RCA can be used in structural concrete, often at higher placement than virgin aggregate than regular RCA.
This mineralization process is highly efficient and minimizes waste. The CO₂ capture solution is refreshed by exposure to geomass, so consumption of chemicals is minimal and produces no residual waste. Additionally, when alternative geomass sources like steel slag or cement kiln dust are used, the process yields valuable byproducts, such as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), effectively repurposing materials that are often classified as hazardous waste.
Some advantages of Geomimetic® Mineralization include:
- Versatile CO₂ Sources: The technology can capture CO₂ from cement plants, steel mills, natural gas power stations, refineries, hydrogen production (via SMR), and even direct air capture (DAC). It can utilize flue gas directly, eliminating the need for CO₂ purification or liquefaction.
- Permanent Carbon Storage: Unlike other carbon capture methods, Blue Planet’s technology ensures that CO₂ is permanently stored as a mineral. Even when a building constructed with this aggregate is demolished, the CO₂ remains securely locked within the material.
- Economic Viability: Blue Planet transforms carbon capture and storage from a cost burden into a profitable venture by producing high-value, large-volume construction aggregates. This model does not rely on carbon pricing but rather generates revenue from the sale of its carbon-negative aggregates.
Blue Planet Systems' technology represents a groundbreaking shift in sustainable construction materials, turning CO₂ into a resource rather than a liability and advancing the global effort to mitigate climate change.
