Origen Power

Origen is a climate technology company developing a proprietary, fuel-flexible direct air capture (DAC) system that uses the natural chemistry of limestone to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company's core technology involves a process where limestone is heated in a proprietary kiln to produce lime, capturing a pure stream of CO2 for underground storage. This created lime is then used in a passive air contactor to absorb CO2 from the air, effectively acting as a natural sponge for atmospheric carbon.

Founded by thinkers in carbon removal and industrial technology, Origen aims to provide a scalable and cost-effective solution to atmospheric CO2 reduction. The company's CEO is Ben Riddle-Turner, who has a background in planetary science, investment banking, and carbon markets. His interest in climate tech was spurred by the 2018 IPCC report, leading him to join Origen to apply technology and innovation to address climate change.

The company's business model appears to be focused on developing and scaling its DAC projects and selling carbon removal credits. Origen has formed strategic partnerships to deploy its technology. A collaboration with the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) aims to capture 1,000 tonnes of CO2 per year at a new facility in North Dakota. Another significant partnership with Shell and Mitsubishi involves developing the Pelican DAC Hub in Louisiana, which is projected to remove up to 50,000 tonnes of carbon annually and includes a potential offtake of up to $3 million in advanced carbon removal credits.

In January 2025, Origen secured $13 million in a Series A funding round led by Barclays Climate Ventures, with participation from Shell Ventures, Exascale Fund, Elemental Impact, and Hatch. This capital is intended to scale its technology, expand commercial projects globally, and fund further research at its technology center in Bristol, UK.

Keywords: carbon removal, direct air capture, DAC, limestone, lime, climate technology, CO2 sequestration, decarbonisation, green lime kiln, carbon capture, negative emissions, air contactor, carbon credits, climate tech, atmospheric carbon reduction, environmental technology, carbon storage, zero-carbon lime, industrial decarbonisation, sustainable technology