Australian climate tech startup Kapture has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards commercialising next-generation carbon capture technology. The company successfully completed a three-month pilot project with Western Australian regional energy provider Horizon Power, demonstrating the effectiveness of its technology in capturing carbon emissions from diesel generators.
Successful Trial Results
Kapture’s founder and CEO, Raj Bagri, revealed that the trials, which ran from January to March 2025, met all of Horizon Power’s technical success criteria. The technology achieved a CO₂ capture rate of 70% or more, maintained zero back pressure on the generator, and consumed less than 20% of the generator’s power output. The trial was focused on four key criteria: carbon capture efficiency, parasitic load and energy efficiency, impact on generator exhaust back pressure, and electrical performance of the generator post-retrofit.
Real-World Challenges and Insights
While the trial proved Kapture’s core technology, it also exposed real-world challenges not seen in lab environments. Kapture observed variability in generator operations, with older engines and environmental conditions like dust, humidity, and temperature swings impacting the system. Carbon capture efficiency ranged between 70% and the high 80s, depending on conditions. Notably, the startup observed enhanced CO₂ capture during higher temperatures.
Path to Commercialisation
Following the pilot’s success, Kapture is preparing for field trials aiming to deploy its technology in customer environments for continuous operations. The company is working on reducing the physical footprint of its technology to integrate with smaller generator setups in remote locations. Kapture is also finalising its first commercial project using low-carbon concrete in a high-profile infrastructure build in Western Australia.
Strategic Growth and Future Plans
Kapture is in the midst of closing its seed funding round, which has seen strong interest from existing investors. The company has appointed an advisory board composed of industry veterans to guide its next chapter, focusing on commercialisation, supply chain partnerships, and customer acquisition plans. Kapture plans to expand its technical team by hiring chemical, process, and mechanical engineers to support optimisation and field deployment. The startup is set to return to its Melbourne base to establish a new facility for operations and R&D efforts, with plans to scale its technology for global impact.
