The Advantages of Direct Air Capture in the Fight Against Climate Change
We face the dangers of a rapidly warming planet from too much CO2 in our atmosphere caused by industrialisation. But there are ways to reverse this excess CO2 build-up that poses a catastrophic threat from the resulting climate change. One of these methods is Direct Air Capture used to remove carbon from the air. Here we look at the advantages of Direct Air Capture (DAC) and why it is fast becoming a real contender in the fight against climate change.
The Benefits of Direct Air Capture
Precision and Efficiency in Emission Reduction
Traditional carbon capture methods often focus on large industrial sources, leaving a significant portion of emissions unaddressed. Direct Air Capture, however, offers a more precise approach by targeting atmospheric CO2 directly. This means it can capture emissions from dispersed sources such as transportation, agriculture, and smaller industrial facilities, providing an inclusive solution to reducing carbon footprints. What’s more, unlike some nature-based solutions like afforestation or reforestation which face hurdles due to environmental factors, DAC technologies are designed for the focused capture of carbon dioxide molecules.
Long Term or Permanent Carbon Removal
DAC takes the captured CO2 and stores it permanently underground at geologically suitable locations (like areas with porous basalt rock) or in disused oil wells. Alternatively, the CO2 can be used in other processes, such as in making sustainable aviation fuel, as feedstock, in food and beverages and in the production of cement.
Complementary to Emission Reduction
Direct Air Capture offers a complementary approach to emission reduction efforts. While cutting down on emissions remains a fundamental strategy, DAC actively addresses the existing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. By also capturing legacy CO2 that has been building up since the mid 1800s, DAC technologies contribute to the restoration of atmospheric balance. This is particularly important in achieving climate goals and preventing irreversible damage. This dual approach bolsters the overall effectiveness of climate change mitigation strategies, making DAC a valuable asset in the pursuit of a carbon-neutral future.
Location Independence from Point Sources
Whereas traditional carbon capture technologies rely on proximity to large point sources of emissions, Direct Air Capture can be strategically deployed in various locations, independent of geographical constraints. Also, certain cardon removal methods are tied to specific regions, such as afforestation or ocean-based approaches, whereas DAC systems can be placed where they are most effective. This flexibility makes it a versatile solution for regions where other methods may be impractical.
Scalability for Global Impact
The scalability of Direct Air Capture makes it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. As technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, DAC has the potential to be deployed at a global scale, capturing vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. To be able to scale at this level, the cost of DAC needs to come down to make it viable and accessible, and companies like NEG8 Carbon are commitment to research and development to pave the way for widespread adoption and meaningful impact on the global carbon balance.
Small Physical Footprint
When compared to natural-based carbon dioxide removal, such as afforestation, DAC uses far less land. To illustrate, while trees can capture 0.3 tonnes of CO2 per metre squared per year, DAC units can capture up to 12 tonnes of CO2 per metre squared per year. So, to put it in real terms, to capture 1 billion tonnes of CO2, we would need an area less than the size of Dublin city compared to an area the size of Germany if we used trees. Furthermore, DAC systems can be located at places that are unsuitable for farming and therefore does not impinge on land needed to produce food.
Carbon Removal for Hard-to-Abate Sectors
DAC can mitigate emissions from sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, such as aviation, shipping, and heavy industry. By capturing CO₂ directly from the air from any location, DAC offers a way to tackle emissions that are otherwise hard to address.
Continuous Operation
Direct Air Capture systems, characterised by their ability to operate continuously, provide an advantage over some nature-based solutions where seasonal limitations or adverse weather conditions may impact the effectiveness of carbon removal.
The last word…
Direct Air Capture is emerging as a frontrunner in the quest for effective and scalable carbon removal technologies. Its precision and scalability, and partnering role in emission reduction efforts, make DAC a standout solution in the fight against climate change.
For more: How Does Direct Air Capture Work?