Turning Innovation into Action

New Jersey Natural Gas is charting an innovative path in the pursuit of lower building emissions, one that other utilities across the country can learn from.

At its operations center in Lakewood, New Jersey, the utility recently installed the Carbon Reform Carbon Capsule, marking the first deployment of this permanent carbon-capture technology in the state. The system integrates directly with the building’s HVAC infrastructure to capture carbon dioxide, reduce energy use and improve overall efficiency—demonstrating how utilities can use innovative technologies in real-world settings to gather data, prove performance and advance practical decarbonization.

“If we are to meet the growing demand for energy and achieve our decarbonization goals, innovation is going to be critical,” said Patrick Migliaccio, NJNG’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. “We believe technologies, like carbon capture, can be part of the solution and offer a viable, real-world way to help reduce emissions.”

The Carbon Capsule is a retrofit solution, a feature that makes it especially relevant for utilities and building owners looking to decarbonize without costly infrastructure overhauls. The system connects to existing HVAC ductwork, captures CO₂ from exhaust air and helps purify indoor air in the process.

In addition to reducing emissions, the technology can help lower energy costs and improve system efficiency. It’s also adaptable to a wide range of facilities, from office buildings and schools to retail and municipal structures—making it a versatile tool for the commercial sector, where cost and scalability are often the biggest barriers to decarbonization.

“For our Lakewood site, we selected the Carbon Capsule® V3 because the customizable sizing options of the unit fit seamlessly into the workspace,” Migliaccio said. “It also introduces a lower-energy design that helps further reduce the system’s energy and emissions footprint while maintaining performance.”

The installation of distributed carbon capture technology aligns with NJNG’s broader sustainability and decarbonization commitments. For other utilities navigating how to reduce emissions while maintaining reliability and affordability, the project offers a clear example of how to move forward: Start small, prove value and scale strategically.

In testing new technologies at its own facilities, NJNG is collecting critical performance data and demonstrating that innovation can be practical, measurable and customer focused. Its approach also shows that utilities don’t have to wait for sweeping policy changes to make progress.

“Our work with NJNG demonstrates how utilities can play a crucial role in bringing sustainable technologies directly to communities,” said Jo Norris, CEO and co-founder of Carbon Reform. “Together, we’re showing that carbon-reduction technology we manufacture can deliver other efficiencies, supporting more cost-effective building operations in a pragmatic way.”

NJNG’s work with Carbon Reform also highlights how collaboration across the technology, utility and commercial sectors can turn sustainability goals into operational solutions. It’s a model that allows for learning, adjustment and shared innovation—key ingredients for scaling decarbonization efforts nationwide.

“With our investments in carbon capture technology, we are helping identify solutions that work not just for our company, but for our customers and communities across New Jersey,” Migliaccio said. “The lessons we learn from these projects can help guide the industry toward a cleaner, more reliable energy future.”