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Catalyst with Shayle Kann
DAC’s bumpy road to commercial scale
Oct 3, 2024
Andreas Aepli, the CFO of Climeworks and a key player in direct-air capture technology, shares insights on the hurdles facing the industry. He discusses the importance of transparency to gain buyer trust and the complexities of scaling DAC plants amid extreme weather and supply chain issues. Andreas emphasizes the need for a phased approach to scaling up operations and the intricate task of setting pricing for carbon removal contracts. He warns of a looming supply constraint in the market as interest in DAC grows.
42:54
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Quick takeaways
- The direct-air capture industry faces substantial operational challenges that demand transparency to maintain investor and public trust as projects scale.
- Securing diversified funding is crucial for the growth of DAC technologies, allowing for larger projects and managing operational risks effectively.
Deep dives
Challenges in Scaling Direct Air Capture Technologies
Scaling direct air capture (DAC) technologies presents significant challenges that become apparent after initial deployment. While the first phase of development often feels optimistic, the reality of financing, operating, and maintaining these technologies reveals countless complexities. For instance, Climeworks' Orca plant, designed to capture 4,000 tons of CO2 annually, has only operated at approximately 2,500 to 3,000 tons per year after two and a half years of operation. These operational difficulties underscore the importance of transparency in the industry to manage expectations and maintain investor and public trust.
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