NEG8 Carbon Scales Direct Air Capture Technology
14 January 2026
The engineering study to build the first Irish large scale carbon capture system was signed today between NEG8 Carbon and Prochem Engineering. This is the first module of NEG8 Carbon’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) arrays to be developed. The module size of 50 tonnes per annum will be built at the NEG8 Carbon Waterford headquarters.
The engineering study marks a significant step forward in NEG8’s journey to develop the company’s unique electrostatic technology that will make DAC more affordable, efficient and scalable as NEG8 journeys to large-scale commercial deployment.
NEG8 Carbon’s Electrostatic DAC technology works by drawing in air and passing it over a specifically designed sorbent system that attracts and captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) molecules. The captured CO₂ can then be permanently and safely stored underground or converted into climate-neutral carbon products, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Dr John Breen, Chief Technology Officer at NEG8 Carbon, said:
“The 50 tonne/annum unit will serve to validate NEG8’s system as a leading engineered carbon capture technology that will support industries and governments in their drive to net-zero and beyond to negative carbon emissions.”
Michael Kent, Director at Prochem Engineering, said:
“Prochem Engineering is proud to contribute its specialist engineering expertise to NEG8 Carbon’s carbon capture initiative, a landmark project designed to address the urgent challenges of global warming and environmental sustainability. This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of NEG8 Carbon and Prochem Engineering to deliver innovative, sustainable engineering solutions that support meaningful environmental progress and a lower-carbon future.
We are excited to be working alongside NEG8 Carbon on this groundbreaking project, which highlights the exceptional level of engineering capability, innovation, and technical excellence available in Ireland”.
About NEG8 Carbon
NEG8 Carbon specialises in developing novel Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology using electrostatics for capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere to combat climate change and help industries achieve net-zero. The company was founded in 2014 as a spin out from Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, with a mission to develop cost effective, efficient DAC technology. In 2021, NEG8 embarked on its commercialisation journey by relocating to Waterford, where the technology has been demonstrated in a pilot scale DAC system. NEG8 is in the process of scaling the technology and will demonstrate it at full scale in 2026.
About Prochem Engineering
Prochem Engineering was established in 1995 to meet the professional consulting engineering and project management needs of the process industry in Ireland. The company has grown to become one of the leading engineering consultancy firms in the country. Their clients range from indigenous companies to large multinationals which all benefit from the director-led, personal approach and commitment to client success. Prochem excels in Process Engineering and Building Services Engineering, where they deliver high-quality, integrated solutions throughout the project life cycle and into the operational environment.
Website: prochem.ie
Photo from left to right:
Erik Malan (Senior Mechanical Engineer, NEG8 Carbon), Marie Ahern (Process Design Lead, Prochem Engineering), John Breen (Chief Technology Officer, NEG8 Carbon), Michael Kent (Director, Prochem Engineering), Paul Kearns (Project Manager, Prochem Engineering), Ray Naughton (Founder & Managing Director, NEG8 Carbon)
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