IDOM and AUSPIRE lead an R&D project to develop advanced carbon capture technologies
Australia | Spain
IDOM has launched a new research and development (R&D) project dedicated to designing and developing advanced CO₂ capture technologies. This project is part of the AUSPIRE program (Australia-Spain Network for Innovation and Research Excellence), which is co-financed by the European Union. The program connects scientific communities in Spain and Australia by offering 28 postdoctoral fellowships to promote research focused on planetary wellbeing.
Led by IDOM’s Oil & Gas area, the initiative seeks to establish IDOM as a global leader in decarbonization solutions. It will strengthen IDOM’s strategic relationships with European and Australian entities, as well as its technology partners, AURECON and RMIT University of Australia.
Key areas
The work focuses on three key areas:
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): IDOM will investigate new solid and semi-solid materials that enable the development of large-surface panels capable of capturing atmospheric CO₂ with minimal energy consumption. The project includes the conceptual design and subsequent manufacture of a pilot module as a test of concept.
- CO₂ Capture at the Sea Surface: Given that approximately 30% of anthropogenic CO₂ is dissolved in the surface layers of the ocean, the project is studying physicochemical systems that enable CO₂ to be extracted from seawater and promote its natural recapture. This technology is designed for coastal or offshore installations in shallow waters.
- Industrial Emissions Capture (Post-Combustion): Modular capture solutions for industrial combustion gases will be evaluated, using alternative approaches to traditional chemical routes, such as controlled condensation and advanced membranes.
The work will combine theoretical research, system modeling, conceptual design, and experimental laboratory testing. There is also the possibility of developing pilot modules in later phases.
The team
Juan Carlos Latasa, the Technology Director of the Oil & Gas Area, is leading the project team, which comprises a multinational group of process specialists. Dr. Denis Usosky, an AUSPIRE researcher, plays a leading role in scientific execution, supported by Ana García Algaba, the project manager. Valery Novoa, Dr. Juan Alberto Martín, and Abdul Rahim complete the team, bringing expertise in process engineering and advanced simulation.
The Technology Management Group at IDOM is responsible for analyzing and mastering cutting-edge technologies, liaising with international licenses, and developing internal process simulation models. This project is an integral part of these activities. The group’s capabilities include:
- Preliminary sizing of process units under multiple scenarios.
- Calculation of main equipment and key sections.
- Estimation of energy consumption and auxiliary services.
- Definition of basic diagrams.
- Preparation of technological requirements for the study and selection of licenses.
Thanks to these capabilities, IDOM can analyze existing technologies and leverage its own knowledge to develop solutions that increase its competitiveness in global markets.
Main objectives
The main objectives of the project include:
- Preparing and executing a set of basic technical dossiers on innovative carbon capture technologies.
- Acquiring world-class knowledge on these technologies, enabling us to offer market-related services.
- Exploring opportunities to create a physical product based on modular solutions for advanced carbon capture.
- Exploring the possibility of developing a solution or an IDOM business line dedicated to advanced carbon capture, in cooperation with investors, universities, or partners.
This project reinforces IDOM’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the development of effective tools for the global fight against climate change.
