Countries around the world have pledged to cut their carbon pollution, but with global emissions reaching an all-time high last year, they have fallen far short. Digging out of that hole will require removing carbon directly from the atmosphere, a process that comes with a hefty price tag mostly due to the energy required.
Removing one metric ton of CO2 using direct air capture is expected to require around 2,000 kWh of electricity once the technology is fully developed and scaled. However, one startup called DACLab claims it is already achieving this for less. Aditya Bhandari, co-founder and CEO of DACLab, stated they have data showing they can do it using 1,500 kilowatt hours per metric ton.
After operating stealthily for four years, DACLab has emerged with $3 million in seed funding. The round was led by early Discord investor Peter Relan, with participation from Silver Lake co-founder Dave Roux, WovenEarth Ventures founder Jane Woodward, and others.
In most direct air capture systems, air is blown over a solid material that absorbs carbon dioxide. Once saturated, the material must release the CO2 so it can be captured and stored. This release process is energy intensive, often requiring heat between 80 and 120 degrees Celsius, with liquid sorbents needing even more.
To minimize construction costs, many startups perform both the capture and release steps in the same unit. DACLab separates the two processes, capturing in one place and releasing in another. This approach uses a relatively low heat of around 70 degrees Celsius for a solid sorbent.
This bifurcated setup is more commonly found at industrial sites with concentrated exhaust streams. DACLab repurposed its technology from such industrial designs. Another startup, Global Thermostat, which was recently sold for parts, also used a split design.
DACLab’s core technology originated from TU Wien in Austria, where a partnership with Shell produced a point-source carbon capture unit that operated for nearly three years. It was the largest carbon capture facility in Austria at the time. The startup adapted that technology for direct air capture.
DACLab has built two units capable of capturing 100 metric tons of CO2 per year and plans to build larger versions capturing 1,000 and 5,000 metric tons annually. The 1,000-ton unit will be deployed in Washington State, while the 5,000-ton unit will be installed in Kenya. The company sells its 100-metric ton unit for under $500,000.
The startup ultimately hopes to supply units to oil and gas companies, carbon project developers, and companies producing e-fuels for airplanes. The final cost of carbon capture will largely depend on energy consumption. DACLab aims to reduce its energy use to less than 1,000 kWh per metric ton. If achieved, the company believes it can capture carbon dioxide for $250 per metric ton.
Bhandari acknowledged the challenge, stating they are not one of those companies promising to reach $100 per metric ton immediately. He expressed hope that they can help reboot a much-needed industry that has been filled with empty promises.