O.C.O Technology and Petronor Collaborate on €20M Carbon Capture Project

O.C.O Technology and oil and gas company Petronor have joined forces to establish a cutting-edge €20 million facility in the Port of Bilbao, Spain. The goal of this partnership is to create the first carbon-negative manufactured limestone aggregate plant in continental Europe by utilizing O.C.O’s Accelerated Carbonation Technology (ACT). This collaboration is a significant step towards meeting the environmental targets set by the European Union, with the plant in Bilbao poised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster economic growth and innovation in the region.

The process behind this collaboration involves capturing CO2 from the Petronor refinery to treat municipal waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. O.C.O CEO Steve Greig announced that this project represents several milestones for the company, including their first carbon capture and aggregates manufacturing facility on a large scale in Europe. This also marks the start of their partnership with the establishment of Biscay Eco Aggregates SL (BEA), in which O.C.O holds a 25% ownership share, while Petronor holds the remaining 75%.

Greig stated, “Our innovative processes and products are making a significant impact on the low-carbon circular economy. We believe this is just the beginning of many opportunities to showcase how our technology can revolutionize waste management in the European Energy from Waste sector.” The Spanish community has already recognized the potential of this collaboration, with the project receiving numerous awards, investments, and financial support from various programs, including the Basque government’s Indartu program.

This partnership between O.C.O Technology and Petronor is a major stride towards sustainable solutions for industrial waste management. Construction of the Bilbao plant is set to commence later this year, with operations expected to begin by early 2026. The commitment to addressing environmental challenges and promoting circular economy practices is evident in this joint venture, signaling a positive shift towards a more sustainable future.