Pulling Carbon From the Sky: A Pricey Climate Solution
Oct 11, 2023
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Sharon Mustri and Brenna Casey discuss direct air capture (DAC), its cost, and carbon removal methods. They explore the companies investing in DAC, carbon storage, and the future outlook for this technology. This episode provides insights from BNEF's research note on DAC and its market through 2050.
Direct air capture (DAC) is a technology that involves removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is increasingly becoming a reality with clean tech companies pioneering the technology and larger companies investing in it to reach their net zero targets.
One of the major challenges of DAC is the high cost that needs to be brought down for scalability, while other considerations include the availability of 24/7 clean power, finding safer chemicals for DAC, and the use of land for DAC plants.
Deep dives
Direct Air Capture: Sucking Carbon Out of the Air
Direct air capture (DAC) is a technology that involves removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. DAC is increasingly becoming a reality, with clean tech companies pioneering the technology. Larger companies are also investing in DAC to reach their net zero targets. However, the cost of DAC is currently high, with prices averaging above $1,000 per ton of carbon removed. The market for DAC is dominated by a few major players, and significant funding is required to scale up the technology. There is potential for DAC to be used in hard-to-abate sectors like aviation and cement, but it is seen as a last resort for carbon removal, not a complete solution.
The Challenges and Considerations of Direct Air Capture
One of the major challenges of DAC is the high cost, which needs to be brought down in order for the technology to be scalable. Availability of 24/7 clean power is also a crucial consideration, as DAC plants require continuous renewable energy sources. Chemicals used in DAC, especially liquid solvents, can be toxic and corrosive, and efforts are being made to develop more biodegradable and longer-lasting materials. Another consideration is the use of land for DAC plants, with solid DAC requiring around two square kilometers. However, it is still significantly less than other carbon removal methods, such as reforestation.
Companies' Role and Investment in Direct Air Capture
Companies, especially tech and financial ones, have shown interest in DAC and invested in the technology. Some large companies have purchased carbon removals through DAC, while others have acquired DAC companies. Funding for DAC projects primarily comes from government support and venture capital investments. As DAC technology matures and proves itself, traditional investors are expected to enter the market. The future financing of DAC projects may involve more traditional banking methods. However, securing contracts and offtake agreements are crucial for attracting loans and financial support.
Policy Intervention and Future Outlook for Direct Air Capture
Policy intervention will play a crucial role in supporting and regulating the DAC industry. Governments can provide financial support and create frameworks that define good carbon removal practices. The EU is focusing on defining standards and regulations before throwing financial support behind DAC. As the technology develops, DAC is expected to attract more traditional investors. The industry will need to demonstrate cost reductions, scalability, and a reliable market to continue its growth. The next five years will be crucial in determining the success and future trajectory of DAC.
Removing carbon directly from the air might seem like a technology of the distant future, but ‘direct air capture’ is increasingly becoming a reality, especially as companies try to figure out how they’re going to meet their net-zero targets. How does DAC actually work, and how seriously should we take it compared to other means of carbon removal?
On today’s show, Dana sits down with Sharon Mustri and Brenna Casey from BNEF’s Sustainable Materials team. Together they take a look at the companies that are investing in DAC, the cost of this technology as well as its rival carbon removal methods, and how one can go about storing all that carbon once it’s been filtered and captured.
Today’s episode draws from the BNEF research note Direct Air Capture: Market and Cost Outlook, which assesses the DAC market through 2050.
Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app.