A new report from the US Department of Energy (DOE) offers an in-depth analysis of a technology that could help to address climate change: direct air capture (DAC). DAC involves extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere and is being advanced by over 140 companies globally. While still in its infancy, the report highlights DAC’s potential for growth – provided the right infrastructure, expertise, and support systems are put in place.
DAC technologies rely heavily on industrial gas infrastructure and expertise, particularly in CO2 handling, transportation, and storage. Scaling DAC to remove billions of tonnes of CO2 annually by 2050 will require substantial investment in low-carbon energy, CO2 transport and storage systems, and workforce development.
This presents an opportunity for the industrial gas sector to play a crucial role in developing and supporting DAC technologies. Let’s explore the technologies, challenges, and potential collaborations in this emerging field.
Key technologies in DAC
The report identifies 142 companies globally advancing DAC technologies, with North America leading the way, followed by Europe, where favourable policies drive innovation. Different DAC systems are suited to specific climatic conditions and energy sources.
The most common technology, used by 65% of companies, involves solid sorbents such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites. These materials selectively adsorb CO2 from the air. Other promising technologies include:
- Liquid solvents (e.g., potassium hydroxide), employed in systems like those from Carbon Engineering, which use liquid-phase capture methods.
- Membrane-based systems and cryogenic processes, highlighted as emerging avenues for innovation.
Some DAC systems aim to produce valuable byproducts like hydrogen, water, or critical minerals. For instance, electrochemical regeneration methods can generate hydrogen for low-carbon fuels, enhancing the economic viability of DAC projects.
Challenges to scaling DAC
However, despite its promise, DAC faces several hurdles, including high energy requirements, the need for expanded CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and market incentives. To address these challenges, governments and organisations are investing in initiatives like the DOE’s $3.5bn commitment to ‘Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs’ and prize competitions to accelerate innovation.
So, where do industrial gas companies fit into the picture? They can leverage their expertise in CO2 management and energy systems to support the development and scaling of DAC technologies.
For instance, they can help create efficient CO2 transportation networks, collaborate on co-production technologies that integrate hydrogen generation with CO2 capture, and supply renewable energy for DAC operations.
We’re already seeing examples of successful partnerships between industrial firms and DAC developers, such as Carbon Engineering and Occidental Petroleum’s large-scale DAC plant project, and Storegga and Carbon Engineering’s collaboration on the UK’s first large-scale DAC facility.
The full report can be read here.
