Cost of Carbon Capture – How NEG8 Carbon is Making DAC Economically Viable
Dirk Singer of Sustainability in the Air (SimpliFlying) spoke to NEG8 Carbon’s Founder and Managing Director, Ray Naughton, about how the company’s breakthrough technology is bringing down the cost of DAC, with €100 per tonne CO₂ captured within sight.
Read the full article here: How NEG8 Carbon is Making Direct Air Capture Economically Viable
An important focus at the moment for NEG8 Carbon is reducing the cost of capturing CO₂, with the goal to make DAC commercially competitive.
These are the kay points from the article.
Cost Reductions
The company has made strong progress through three generations of technology. Initial costs were between €1,000 and €2,000 per tonne CO₂ captured, then fell to €500–€1,000, and now sit at €100–€200 per tonne. Achieving €100 per tonne is possible when using waste heat.
Electrostatic DAC Technology
NEG8’s breakthrough lies in its Electrostatic DAC method that coats sorbents onto heat exchangers. This allows fast heat transfer, uses 80% less material, and operates at just 65°C, leading to longer material lifespans and much lower energy costs.
Energy Strategy
Unlike many DAC systems, NEG8’s units can run off-grid, powered by dedicated solar or wind farms. This avoids burdening the national grid, which is already under pressure from growing data centre demands.
National Impact – EU Emissions Penalties
Ireland could face climate fines of up to €26 billion. NEG8’s proposal for Ireland involves 1,333 DAC towers capturing 8 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, using a size only half the area of Dublin Airport, offering a cost-effective solution for hard-to-abate emissions.
Space Efficiency
NEG8’s technology captures CO₂ about 10,000 times more efficiently than trees. Their systems are becoming smaller and lighter with each generation, meaning future DAC farms will require even less land.
Carbon Utilization
NEG8 carbon is exploring several uses for captured CO₂, including carbon sequestration using geological storage, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, building material development (e.g. storing CO₂ in concrete, and next-generation research partnerships. The company aims to create a continuous cycle where CO₂ is captured, turned into sustainable fuel with green hydrogen, used as fuel, and then recaptured, helping to build genuinely net-zero fuel systems.
Pragmatic Approach to Climate Action
Ray Naughton believes all zero-carbon technologies, including nuclear energy and DAC, must be embraced. He sees DAC as an essential tool rather than a distraction from emissions reduction.
For more:
- Is Direct Air Capture Viable?
- What is the Value of a Carbon Credit?
- Direct Air Capture Cost Compared to Cost of Inaction on Climate Change