The CO2CRC’s new HyCaps system combines solvent absorption and membrane separation to deliver a more efficient, compact, and cost-effective solution for industrial CO₂ capture, paving the way for wider adoption in space-constrained facilities.
CO2CRC, through its commercial arm CO2Tech, has advanced the field of carbon capture with the development of a hybrid system known as HyCaps. This innovative technology merges solvent absorption and membrane separation into a single, integrated process, aiming to overcome two major challenges inherent to traditional carbon capture methods: excessive energy consumption and the large physical footprint of equipment.
The core of the HyCaps system employs hollow-fiber membranes that facilitate the separation of gas and liquid phases. This design enables solvent regeneration at significantly lower temperatures without the need for boiling, which traditionally demands high energy input. By integrating membranes within the absorption process, the system achieves a substantial increase in surface area for chemical reactions, all contained within a compact, modular unit. These features not only reduce operational energy requirements but also allow the technology to be scalable and readily retrofitted into existing industrial facilities constrained by space.
This hybrid membrane-solvent contactor approach has been described in earlier studies as a process where CO₂ from flue gas permeates through nano-porous hollow fiber walls and is absorbed into a selective solvent. The CO₂-enriched solvent is then regenerated in a second hollow fiber module operating in reverse, resulting in high CO₂ removal efficiencies and equipment size reduction compared with conventional packed column systems. Such integrated membrane-absorption systems have shown potential for capturing post-combustion CO₂ more efficiently and economically.
Further commercial benefits of the HyCaps technology include a reduction in both capital and operational expenditures, with reports indicating capture cost savings between 25% and 40% relative to conventional technologies. Its compact footprint enhances applicability in spatially limited environments, including offshore and marine industrial sites, expanding its potential deployment scenarios.
Demonstrations of HyCaps have been conducted in multiple industrial pilot settings across Australia, validating the technology’s effectiveness under real-world conditions. Notably, a continuous pilot-scale demonstration at the Vales Point power plant in New South Wales successfully employed membrane gas-solvent contactor technology to simultaneously capture CO₂ and regenerate solvents. This marks a significant milestone as the first world-scale facility to test this integrated approach outside the laboratory.
In addition to energy and space efficiency, the membrane component reduces solvent degradation caused by impurities in the flue gas stream, further enhancing the process’s operational durability. Unlike conventional absorption processes that require solvent boiling for regeneration, HyCaps operates at lower temperatures, which contributes to its reduced energy demand.
This hybrid technology aligns with broader industry trends toward modular, scalable solutions that can be retrofitted to existing infrastructure, a critical factor for accelerating industrial decarbonisation. Similar hybrid systems under development globally, such as university-led projects combining aqueous solvents with membrane separation for coal plant emissions, highlight the growing consensus on integrating membrane technology with solvent absorption to achieve more sustainable carbon capture.
CO2CRC’s HyCaps system represents a promising evolution in carbon capture technology, potentially enabling industries to meet stringent emissions reduction targets while lowering the cost and complexity of retrofit installations. As governments and industrial sectors intensify commitments to net-zero pathways, such innovative solutions are poised to play a pivotal role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors.
- https://www.cleanthesky.com/innovation/hybrid-carbon-capture-system – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://co2crc.com.au/co2research/membrane-solvent-contactor/ – CO2CRC has developed a membrane gas-solvent contactor technology that integrates solvent absorption within a membrane module. This approach enables the transfer of CO₂ from flue gas through a hollow-fiber membrane, where it is chemically absorbed into the solvent. The technology aims to address the high energy consumption and large physical footprint associated with conventional carbon capture methods. ([co2crc.com.au](https://co2crc.com.au/co2research/membrane-solvent-contactor/?utm_source=openai))
- https://proceedings.aiche.org/cei/conferences/carbon-management-technology-conference/2013/proceeding/paper/hybrid-membrane-absorption-process-post-combustion-co2-capture – A study presented at the AIChE Carbon Management Technology Conference discusses a hybrid membrane absorption process for post-combustion CO₂ capture. The process involves CO₂ passing through nano-porous hollow fiber walls and being absorbed into a selective solvent. The CO₂-rich solvent can be regenerated in a second hollow fiber contactor module operated in a reverse process, achieving high CO₂ removal rates and reduced equipment size compared to conventional packed columns. ([proceedings.aiche.org](https://proceedings.aiche.org/cei/conferences/carbon-management-technology-conference/2013/proceeding/paper/hybrid-membrane-absorption-process-post-combustion-co2-capture?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.ipi-singapore.org/tech-offers/175390/modular-scalable-and-cost-effective-hybrid-co2-capture-technology.html – A modular CO₂ capture system integrates solvent absorption and membrane separation into a single intensified unit. The design allows CO₂ to transfer from flue gas through a membrane and be absorbed into a solvent within the same modular unit. This hybrid approach delivers 25–40% lower capture costs compared to conventional systems, offering both CAPEX and OPEX savings. Its compact footprint enables deployment in space-limited sites, including offshore and marine applications. ([ipi-singapore.org](https://www.ipi-singapore.org/tech-offers/175390/modular-scalable-and-cost-effective-hybrid-co2-capture-technology.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://co2tech.com.au/co2-capture-and-utilisation/hycaps/ – CO2Tech’s HyCaps is a hybrid technology that combines solvent absorption and membrane separation in a single process. The membrane separates the gas and liquid phases, reducing solvent degradation due to impurities in the gas. The technology operates at lower temperatures than conventional packed bed absorption and does not require solvent boiling for regeneration, significantly reducing energy demand. HyCaps has been demonstrated at three different industrial pilot plants in Australia and is suitable for retrofitting into existing industrial plants with spatial constraints. ([co2tech.com.au](https://co2tech.com.au/co2-capture-and-utilisation/hycaps/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1046680 – The University of Kentucky is developing a hybrid approach to capturing CO₂ from the exhaust gas of coal-fired power plants. In the first stage, CO₂ is removed as flue gas is passed through an aqueous ammonium-based solvent. In the second stage, the carbon-rich solution from the CO₂ absorber is passed through a membrane designed to selectively transport the bound carbon, enhancing its concentration on the permeate side. This approach combines the best of both membrane and solvent-based carbon capture technologies. ([osti.gov](https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1046680?utm_source=openai))
- https://co2crc.com.au/co2crc-successfully-tests-new-hybrid-technology-for-post-combustion-capture/ – CO2CRC and the University of Melbourne conducted a successful trial of a newly developed membrane contactor technology at the Vales Point power plant in NSW. This world-first continuous pilot-scale demonstration captured carbon dioxide using membrane gas-solvent contactor technology while simultaneously undertaking CO₂ capture and solvent regeneration, making the technology easier to implement. ([co2crc.com.au](https://co2crc.com.au/co2crc-successfully-tests-new-hybrid-technology-for-post-combustion-capture/?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The HyCaps technology has been under development since at least 2017, with pilot tests conducted in various industrial settings. The most recent publication on HyCaps is from July 2025, indicating ongoing advancements. ([co2crc.com.au](https://co2crc.com.au/research/capture-research/?utm_source=openai)) The current report appears to be a recent update, with no evidence of recycled content.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from CO2CRC CEO Dr. Matthias Raab and other officials. These quotes are consistent with previous statements made by Dr. Raab, suggesting they are not newly sourced. However, no exact matches were found for these quotes in earlier publications, indicating potential originality.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from CO2CRC’s official communications, which are generally reliable. However, as the content is self-reported, it may lack external verification. The absence of independent coverage of the specific developments mentioned raises some uncertainty.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about HyCaps’ efficiency and cost-effectiveness align with previous reports and the technology’s known capabilities. The absence of independent verification of these specific claims is noted, but they are consistent with the technology’s development trajectory.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The report provides an update on CO2CRC’s HyCaps technology, with no evidence of recycled content. While the quotes appear consistent with previous statements, they lack independent verification. The self-reported nature of the narrative and the absence of external coverage of the specific developments mentioned introduce some uncertainty. Further independent verification is recommended to fully assess the credibility of the claims.
