The Advantages of Direct Air Capture in the Fight Against Climate Change

By: Ray Naughton, Founder & MD of NEG8 Carbon

We are facing the dangers of a rapidly warming planet caused by excessive CO₂ in our atmosphere that has built up since the beginning industrialisation. But there are ways to remove this CO₂ and one of these methods is Direct Air Capture (DAC).

The Benefits of Direct Air Capture

Precision and Efficiency in Emission Reduction

Traditional carbon capture methods often focus on large industrial sources, leaving a considerable portion of emissions unaddressed, such as those from aviation. 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. (See: Direct Air Capture vs Point Source)

Location Independence from Emission Sources

Whereas point source carbon capture technologies rely on close proximity to large 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 storing the captured carbon dioxide much safer as the DAC system can be located at the point of storage or utilization and does not need to be transported through invasive pipelines in urban areas.

Off-Grid Renewable Energy

Since DAC projects can be located far from urban areas, they can use renewable energy that is not dependent on the electricity grid of a community.

Measurable Carbon Capture

Direct Air Capture systems offer measurability to organisations that need precise carbon capture figures to verify their carbon off-set agreements.

Long Term/Permanent Carbon Removal or Utilization

DAC takes the captured CO₂ and safely 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 (SAF), as feedstock, in food and beverages and in the production of concrete. (See: What is CO₂ Utilization?)

Scalability for Global Impact

As DAC technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, it 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, DAC needs to become more accessible, and companies like NEG8 Carbon are commitment to research and development to pave the way for widespread adoption for 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 CO₂per 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.(See: Hard to Abate Industries and the Decarbonisation Challenge)

Complementary to Emission Reduction

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 dual approach bolsters the overall effectiveness of climate change mitigation strategies, making DAC a valuable asset in the pursuit of a carbon-neutral future.

Continuous Operation

Direct Air Capture systems can operate continuously which gives them an advantage over some nature-based solutions where seasonal limitations or adverse weather conditions may hinder their 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 make DAC a standout solution in the fight against climate change.

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