UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE, NSW, AUSTRALIA. For decades, the greatest minds have figured out a way to achieve a green environment with all sorts of fossil fuels that promised lesser carbon emissions. Although fossil fuels generate lesser carbon emissions, it still does. That is why a team of researchers developed a new method of storing carbon emissions from fossil fuels and other industrial processes of its kind.

The new method is already in the process of being tested for possible application as soon as possible. In the new method, captured carbon emissions are turned into carbonate rock ‘bricks’ and are aimed to be used for the construction industry. That way, the carbon emissions are stored securely in brick form and then used as an alternative environment-friendly brick for building.

The project is funded with a total of $9 million which has been allotted by the Australian and NSW governments and Orica. During the process, carbon emissions are permanently transformed into a usable product instead of storing it underground or into the bottom of the ocean. Although the Earth has its natural mineral carbonation system, it takes quite a while to achieve what needs to be done and with the new method, the mineral carbonation process is sped up.

The team of researchers working on the study is led by Professors Bodgan Dlugogorski and Eric Kennedy from the University’s Priority Research Centre for Energy. They are also joined by Orica Senior Research Associate Dr. Geoff Brent. The research pilot plant will be built at the University’s Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and is expected to be operational by 2017.