Permanence: High 1,000 years +
Direct air capture (DAC) is a technology designed to remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the atmosphere. Here’s how it works:
1. Air Intake: Large machines equipped with fans pull in ambient air from the environment.
2. CO₂ Capture: The air is then passed through special filters or chemical solutions that capture and isolate
the CO₂. These filters or solutions are designed to bind specifically with CO₂ molecules, separating them from the rest of the air.
3. CO₂ Storage or Use: Once captured, the CO₂ is either compressed and stored underground in geological
formations (a process called carbon sequestration) or utilized in various products. For instance, it can be used to produce synthetic fuels, building materials, or even in agricultural applications.
DAC is considered an important tool for combating climate change because it directly reduces the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, which is a major greenhouse gas. Unlike some other methods, DAC can be placed almost anywhere and does not rely on specific land or climatic conditions. However, it can be expensive and energy-intensive, so its development and implementation are still ongoing to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Removal provider
Direct Air Capture uses advanced DAC technology, which captures CO2 from the air and permanently stores it
underground, preventing it from contributing to global warming.
Direct Air Capture is developing a large-scale DAC plant in Norway, in collaboration with Carbon Engineering and Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, which is expected to capture between 500,000 and 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually. The CO2 will be stored deep under the seabed in offshore geological sites.