The University of Melbourne and Hancock Prospecting have entered into a multi-year partnership to develop their Carbelec technology which uses low temperature electrolysis to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into reusable carbon and oxygen.
Carbelec is seen as a potential game-changer for industries such as steelmaking, as it could enable the constant capture and reuse of carbon, balancing steel production with reduced CO2 emissions.
By capturing and reusing carbon in a closed cycle, many existing efficient and proven processes could become virtually emission-free.
Carbelec’s commercial applications are expected to use proven renewable energy sources to power the electrolysis process.
The university has successfully demonstrated Carbelec within its labs, partnering with HPPL to refine and then scale up Carbelec on a two-stage development program.
The Dean of Engineering, Professor Mark Cassidy, said he was delighted with the opportunity offered by the new venture.
Professor Cassidy said: “This partnership will allow researchers and Hancock Prospecting to establish a comprehensive research and development program that addresses the building blocks for developing this exciting technology.
“Our goal is to combine our world-leading research expertise with Hancock Prospecting’s capability for practical, real-world deployment, and together develop this technology to industrial scale.”
Hancock Prospecting CEO Garry Korte said the potential benefits from Carbelec should be significant and far-reaching.
Korte said, “Hancock Prospecting’s pioneering spirit is underpinned by a strong history of successful partnership in innovative solutions to meet client needs.
“We believe Carbelec can be an important part of a future low-cost energy mix, enabling industries such as steel, cement and even today’s baseload electricity generators to continue improving living standards. people in Australia and around the world.”
Photo: Dr. Kevin Li, Lecturer Department of Chemical Engineering; Professor Robin Batterham, Melbourne School of Engineering and Dr Ali Zavabeti, Department of Chemical Engineering.
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