Direct Air Capture And Storage (DAC+S)

The world’s largest Direct Air Capture and Storage (DAC+S) plant, named Mammoth, has started operation in Iceland.

What is DAC+S Technology?

The Mammoth DAC+S plant, located in Hellisheidi, Iceland, represents a significant advancement in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies.
Operated by Climeworks, this facility commenced operations in May 2024 and is currently the world's largest of its kind.
It underscores the growing emphasis on innovative solutions to mitigate climate change by removing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere.

Direct Air Capture and Storage (DAC+S) involves:
- CO₂ Extraction: Using large fans, ambient air is drawn into the system. The air passes through filters containing a chemical solution that binds with CO₂ molecules.
- CO₂ Release: The filters are heated, releasing the captured CO₂ as a concentrated gas.
- CO₂ Storage: The concentrated CO₂ is then injected into deep geological formations, where it mineralizes and is permanently stored underground.
This process not only reduces atmospheric CO₂ levels but also offers a scalable method to achieve negative emissions, which are essential for meeting global climate targets.

CDR encompasses various strategies aimed at removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and securely storing it.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifies CDR as a critical component in achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Other CDR methods include:
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees to absorb CO₂.
- Soil Carbon Sequestration: Enhancing soil management to increase carbon storage.
- Ocean-based CDR: Techniques like ocean fertilization to boost marine carbon uptake.
Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Growing biomass for energy and capturing the resulting CO₂ emissions.
While these methods are valuable, DAC+S provides a direct approach to removing CO₂ from the air, offering flexibility in deployment and the potential for significant impact.

The Mammoth plant is designed to capture up to 36,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
This capacity is approximately ten times greater than its predecessor, the Orca plant, also in Iceland.
The captured CO₂ is permanently stored underground through a partnership with Carbfix, utilizing Iceland's geothermal resources for mineralization.
Climeworks aims to scale up its operations to achieve megaton-scale carbon removal by 2030 and gigaton-scale by 2050, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Despite its potential, DAC+S faces several challenges:
- High Costs: Current estimates place the cost of capturing CO₂ at over $1,000 per ton, primarily due to the energy-intensive nature of the process and the scale of current facilities.
- Energy Requirements: DAC+S systems require substantial amounts of energy, necessitating a reliable and renewable energy supply to ensure net-negative emissions.
- Infrastructure Needs: The establishment of DAC+S facilities requires significant infrastructure, including access to suitable geological storage sites and transportation networks for CO₂.
- Policy and Investment: Sustained government support and private investment are crucial to drive innovation, reduce costs, and expand deployment.

While Iceland has become a leader in DAC+S technology, other countries are exploring similar initiatives.
For instance, the United States has initiated DAC projects, such as the facility in Tracy, California, which employs limestone to capture CO₂ and store it in concrete.
These efforts highlight the global recognition of DAC+S as a viable solution for carbon removal.

Climate Leadership: Investing in DAC+S can position India as a leader in innovative climate solutions.
Technology Development: Promoting research and development in DAC+S technologies can spur domestic innovation and industry growth.
International Collaboration: Engaging in global DAC+S initiatives can enhance India's participation in international climate agreements and partnerships.

High Costs: The current expense of DAC+S may be prohibitive, especially for a developing economy.
Energy Demand: India's energy infrastructure may need significant upgrades to support the energy requirements of DAC+S systems.
Policy Framework: Establishing supportive policies and incentives for DAC+S development is essential.

Addressing these challenges through strategic planning and investment can enable India to leverage DAC+S technology effectively.