A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been created between BASF and Exterra Carbon Solutions (Exterra), with the intention that the companies will explore opportunities to deploy a commercial scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. This project will be based in Canada, specifically Quebec.

It has been planned that this project will use a combination of BASF’s OASE® gas treatment technology, along with Exterra’s Reactive Oxide to Carbonate System (ROC). Together, this equipment will become part of the project’s integrated carbon storage services.

The purpose of this strategic partnership is to accelerate the rate of decarbonisation for Quebec’s industrial sector, with a particular focus on hard-to-abate industries, for example, cement, steel, gas-to-power and finally, waste-to-energy sectors. According to the International Energy Agency, all of these separate industries account for almost 20% of global CO2 emissions. A huge benefit of this collaboration is that it harnesses the strengths of both of the companies, with the plan to create an effective and efficient solution which will reduce CO2 emissions. Doing this could significantly contribute to the province’s decarbonisation goals, whilst also enhancing environmental quality.

Exterra Carbon Solutions is a well-known, leading carbon sequestration company which is based in Quebec, Canada. The company’s predominant focus is on accelerating carbon mineralisation through the use of mineral residues and the company offers turnkey solutions to industrial emitters or alternatively, they also offer direct carbon capture enterprises for the safe, permanent and verifiable storage of CO2.

As a company, BASF brings over fifty years of experience to the market and offers their customers efficient gas treating solutions, which work with a variety of applications. These include natural gas, synthesis gas, flue gas and biogas. BASF chose to market its range of gas treating technologies, as well as the corresponding solvents and complete technical services such as the digital platform OASE connect, under the brand name OASE – Gas Treating Excellence by BASF. All of the products included under the brand name OASE, are part of the system solutions which collectively create a significant contribution when it comes to sustainability within the value chain. When compared to traditional methods, it is clear that OASE provides a high efficiency in gas treatment and therefore, clearly makes an important contribution to conserving resources, as well as reducing emissions through saving energy.

BASF has made it clear that their primary purpose is to ‘create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility.’

The plan for this project that is now underway is to pioneer the integration of carbon capture plus mineralisation and put these two processes into a single, scalable system. In order to do this, BASF will contribute gas treatment solutions which will be used to lay the ground work for a robust carbon capture infrastructure. Through the use of OASE blue technology, BASF will aim to capture CO2 emissions from industrial processes, whilst making sure that the extracted CO2 is ready for immediate mineralisation. Along with this, Exterra plans to complement BASF’s capabilities through providing ex-situ mineralisation services which will effectively ensure permanent storage without any risks of leakage or reversal.

Overall, it is evident that Exterra’s innovative ROC technology, supported by its low-carbon footprint of magnesium oxides, will help to enhance BASF’s OASE® gas treatment. Through working together, they will transform captured CO2 into a stable mineral form. Furthermore, Exterra plans to provide additional value to participating industries and they will do this through creating high-quality carbon credits which have been validated by third parties. Altogether, the benefits of this collaboration, will be an increase in transparency, safety and finally, rapid scalability.

CEO and Co-Founder, Exterra, Olivier Dufresne, commented, “We are thrilled to collaborate with BASF. This partnership is not only impactful for Exterra, as we are the first Canadian carbon sequestration company to partner with BASF, but it also represents a major milestone in our journey. Our first project will be in Quebec, underscoring our shared dedication to delivering scalable and effective carbon capture and storage solutions. Unlike other methods that bury CO2 underground, our safe, surface-level CO2 sequestration solution offer a unique, groundbreaking approach. Together, we can make significant advances in the fight against climate change.”

Business Director, Standard Amines and Gas Treatment, BASF North America, Todd Spengeman, added, “This partnership is a key step in BASF’s commitment to building a sustainable future through innovation and collaboration. By seamlessly integrating BASF’s and Exterra’s cutting-edge technologies and leveraging our collective expertise, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in carbon management, enhancing our ability to deliver sustainable solutions to our customers.”