The fight against climate change is driving the accelerated development of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture technologies , a top priority in the global green transition. Recently, various sectors have introduced innovations aimed at reducing emissions and safely storing or efficiently utilizing CO2, placing carbon capture at the heart of climate strategy.
From industrial initiatives to biotechnological solutions and experimental projects in architecture, CO2 capture has become fertile ground for collaboration between companies, universities, and startups. In Spain and Europe, experts agree that these technologies will be essential to accelerate decarbonization, although their applications and challenges vary depending on the characteristics of each sector.
Cement industry and large-scale projects: the urgency of mitigating hard-to-abate emissions
In Catalonia, cement factories have made a firm commitment to reducing CO2 emissions , with a planned investment of over 800 million euros by 2050. This industry, responsible for 41% of process emissions in Spain, faces the challenge of eliminating the carbon footprint in cement manufacturing through numerous strategies: harnessing green hydrogen, using alternative raw materials, electrifying transport, and manufacturing low-carbon cements and concretes.
The directors of major factories have emphasized the importance of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies as the only truly effective way to mitigate process emissions, especially those difficult to reduce through conventional methods. They all agree that without these technologies, achieving climate neutrality for the sector by 2050 would be unattainable.
Norway's example reinforces this trend: the country has launched the Longship project, which enables the large-scale capture and storage of CO2 generated by a cement plant and, soon, by an incinerator. The carbon dioxide is transported by ship and injected into a saline aquifer beneath the seabed, preventing 400.000 tons of CO2 from reaching the atmosphere annually. This initiative, with strong government support and the collaboration of multinational energy companies, places CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) technology at the heart of the European climate strategy.
Biotechnology, startups, and modular solutions: the role of microalgae in carbon capture
The entrepreneurial scene is also moving fast. The Barcelona-based startup 4BlueTech, born from international collaboration, has developed a modular and portable solution for capturing CO2 and nitrogen oxides by combining artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Its system uses microalgae and bacteria capable of absorbing these gases and offers real-time traceability through a technological platform, enabling certification and the generation of tokenized carbon credits.
This technology, currently patent-pending, is already in the pilot testing phase and has the support of various corporations and public bodies. One of its most ambitious projects is the conversion of CO2 into biofuels in collaboration with industrial companies, demonstrating how diversifying uses is essential to making carbon capture profitable and scalable.
Scientific innovation: living materials and carbon-absorbing architecture
In the field of research, teams like the one at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) have succeeded in developing 3D-printed living materials capable of absorbing CO2 . Using cyanobacteria, these materials perform photosynthesis and not only convert CO2 into biomass, but also mineralize it, forming stable carbon compounds that strengthen the material's structure.
These living structures, capable of acting as genuine carbon sinks, have been exhibited at international events such as the Venice Architecture Biennale. There, blocks simulating tree trunks have been installed, capable of absorbing amounts of CO2 comparable to those of a mature tree. Furthermore, the aesthetics and functionality of these materials are being explored in experimental projects, envisioning a future architecture that actively contributes to carbon sequestration.
Regenerative agriculture and waste recovery to capture CO2 in soils
Agricultural research is also making strides. The University of Murcia is leading projects focused on so-called carbon agriculture , integrating agricultural byproducts and plant biomass (such as seaweed harvested from the coast) into soils to increase their fertility and carbon storage capacity. These techniques, often encompassed within regenerative agriculture, transform soils into active CO2 sinks, contributing to both mitigating climate change and improving the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems.
Carbon capture is experiencing an unprecedented period of innovation , both in its industrial applications and in biotechnological and experimental solutions. Although significant challenges remain regarding costs, scalability, and results certification, the combined efforts of companies, startups, research centers, and government agencies are laying the foundations for a cleaner and more resilient economy.
