Value Carbon's innovative approach to carbon capture and utilization has sparked interest in the agricultural sector, particularly among greenhouse growers. The company's journey began with a unique challenge: capturing CO2 at night and utilizing it during the day for photosynthesis. This led to the development of a 24-hour rotation system, where CO2 is captured, bound with an amine, and released when sunlight is available.
The initial collaboration with Dutch greenhouse growers revealed an unexpected problem. These growers already produced their own CO2 through combined heat and power units, but only at night when photosynthesis wasn't occurring. Value Carbon's solution was to adapt their technology, allowing for a continuous process of CO2 capture and release.
This technology has broader implications for the market. Value Carbon works with various CO2 emitters, including the shipping sector, greenhouses, geothermal plants, and biomass plants. The company's focus on greenhouses is significant, as the Netherlands' greenhouse sector consumes a substantial amount of CO2 annually. This concentrated market presents an opportunity for Value Carbon to establish itself as a key player in CO2 supply.
Two converging pressures are driving the demand for external CO2 supply in the greenhouse industry. Firstly, large industrial CO2 suppliers are shifting towards underground storage, reducing the availability of CO2 for external use. Secondly, greenhouse growers are transitioning from gas-fired CHPs to geothermal heat, resulting in a decrease in their own CO2 production. This structural shift makes external CO2 supply increasingly critical for greenhouse growers, who will need to rely on external sources to maintain production.
Value Carbon's business development manager, Rolf Bakker, highlights the company's progress. They have successfully installed filter systems on 60 vessels, with 30 of them featuring full carbon capture capability. The company's first unit is now operational at a greenhouse, and they have secured additional contracts for geothermal and biomass locations. The recent appearance at GreenTech 2026 attracted strong contacts from various countries, indicating a growing interest in Value Carbon's technology.
In conclusion, Value Carbon's innovative carbon capture and utilization system has the potential to revolutionize the greenhouse industry. By addressing the challenges of CO2 supply and production, the company is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices. As the market shifts towards external CO2 supply, Value Carbon's technology offers a promising solution, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for greenhouse growers.
