Sojitz Corporation, Carbon Xtract Co., Ltd., and Shimizu Corporation have collaboratively proposed a project to implement m-DAC® technology, a system for directly capturing and utilizing CO2 from the atmosphere, in urban settings. This project has been selected for Tokyo’s support program, aiming to create an urban model where CO2 can be efficiently captured and circulated within city environments.
A Distributed CO2 Capture System Towards Carbon-Neutral Cities
NOVARE: Shaping the Future of Urban Co-Creation
With the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, negative emission technologies that remove CO2 from the atmosphere are gaining attention. The m-DAC® technology, developed by Carbon Xtract and selected for this project, employs gas separation membrane technology to provide compact, distributed CO2 capture units that can be installed within buildings. This technology does not require large facilities, offering the potential to capture CO2 efficiently in various urban locations.
Starting this year and continuing through 2028, this innovative m-DAC® technology will be installed at Shimizu Corporation’s innovation hub, NOVARE Smart Innovation Forest. Initially, the captured CO2 will be used in a plant cultivation system to enhance plant growth as part of a demonstration experiment. Future applications, such as using CO2 for carbon-sequestered concrete or carbonated water production, are also under consideration.
NOVARE Smart Innovation Forest, established by Shimizu Corporation as a hub for promoting digital transformation, aims to create an innovation-driven environment combining forward-looking architecture with environmentally friendly technologies. In addition to ecosystem development, NOVARE introduces diverse working styles for the next generation, including a “no-address” office layout with movable desks and chairs, and a “Pixel Flow” system that customizes air conditioning based on individual preferences. These cutting-edge technologies are designed using a “backcasting” approach, envisioning a society 50 to 100 years into the future and creating an environment where buildings grow and adapt alongside people.
With the introduction of m-DAC® technology, the ultimate goal is to expand its application to various urban sites, allowing CO2 to be directly captured and circulated for reuse. This vision aligns with Shimizu Corporation’s aspiration for a sustainable urban ecosystem, and the collaborative efforts of the three companies aim to accelerate the realization of a circular economy and substantial CO2 reduction in cities.