Sulzer has entered into an agreement with KEZO (Zweckverband Kehrichtverwertung Zürcher Oberland), the waste management authority for Zurich Oberland, to design and supply a licensed carbon capture system for KEZO’s waste-to-energy facility in Hinwil. The initiative aims to explore the feasibility of integrating carbon capture into KEZO’s operations, in preparation for a new municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plant set to open in 2030, according to the press release.
MSWI facilities burn non-recyclable waste to generate energy, helping divert waste from landfills and promoting circular resource usage. However, these processes emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂). By incorporating carbon capture technology, such emissions can be substantially reduced—transforming waste processing into a more climate-responsible activity. Sulzer’s solution is designed with this transformation in mind.
At the Hinwil site, Sulzer will install a pre-assembled, modular carbon capture unit capable of extracting up to 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year from the plant’s flue gas. The captured CO₂ will be repurposed by a nearby greenhouse, creating a local example of resource circularity. This pilot installation is a crucial step toward assessing the viability of deploying the technology on a larger scale at KEZO’s future MSWI facility. If proven successful, the new plant could feature a full-scale carbon capture system capable of removing up to 120,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually—significantly contributing to Switzerland’s net-zero targets.
The project is primarily funded by KEZO, with additional financial support from the Canton of Zurich. KEZO is also providing its infrastructure and operational expertise to help gather key data for the development of the future full-scale plant.
Dr. Suzanne Thoma, Executive Chairwoman of Sulzer, remarked:
“We’re proud to collaborate with KEZO, a leader in advancing the circular economy, on this forward-thinking initiative. Our partnership reflects a mutual commitment to driving innovation that aligns environmental responsibility with sustainable economic growth.”
Daniel Böni, KEZO’s Managing Director, added:
“This project illustrates how traditional sectors like waste management can evolve through technology and collaboration to contribute meaningfully to decarbonization efforts.”
