Large-Scale DAC (Direct Air Capture) Facilities to be Built Soon

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In summary, large-scale Direct Air Capture (DAC) facilities are set to be constructed soon, aiming to significantly reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. These projects leverage advanced technology to capture CO2 directly from the air, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. The initiatives are backed by investments and collaboration among governments and private sectors, highlighting a growing commitment to sustainable solutions for carbon management.
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https://www.energy.gov/articles/bid...s-12-billion-nations-first-direct-air-capture
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to $1.2 billion to advance the development of two commercial-scale direct air capture facilities in Texas and Louisiana. These projects—the first of this scale in the United States—represent the initial selections from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded Regional Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hubs program, which aims to kickstart a nationwide network of large-scale carbon removal sites to address legacy carbon dioxide pollution and complement rapid emissions reductions. These emissions are already in the atmosphere, fueling climate change and extreme weather and jeopardizing public health and ecosystems across the globe. The Hubs are expected to ensure meaningful community and labor engagement and contribute to the President’s Justice40 Initiative. Together, these projects are expected to remove more than 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year from the atmosphere—an amount equivalent to the annual emissions from roughly 445,000 gasoline-powered cars—and create 4,800 good-paying jobs in Texas and Louisiana.

Today’s announcement will be the world’s largest investment in engineered carbon removal in history and each Hub will eventually remove more than 250 times more carbon dioxide than the largest DAC facility currently operating.
I've never heard of a DAC, but this sounds promising.

Google tells me that annually we (the entire world) release 35+ million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Removing 2 million metric tons is a nice start, but I'm curious if there are any notable drawbacks with such technology? Can these DACs be a long-term solution for climate change/global warming problems?
 
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kyphysics said:
35+ million metric tons
Should be billion.
 
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Frabjous said:
Should be billion.
My thoughts went from: "Hey, this could significantly change global warming"

to

"Meh. This doesn't do anything." [relatively speaking]

:sorry:

eta: I'll leave the incorrect figure for reference/comparison purposes.
 
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kyphysics said:
I'm curious if there are any notable drawbacks with such technology?
Just a few.

First, the unclear energy requirement.

Then, the long term safe storage of a breath-inhibiting dangerous gas with a bad history.

Also, the matter of effectiveness compared to other solutions, like emission-reduction.

... Overall, this feels rather like PR- than climate-engineering.
Sure, time to start doing big things since waiting will just cook us, but ... this one just cannot bring me the right feeling :sorry:
 
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FAQ: Large-Scale DAC (Direct Air Capture) Facilities to be Built Soon

What is Direct Air Capture (DAC) and how does it work?

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technology designed to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere. It works by using chemical processes that capture CO2 from the air, typically through the use of sorbents or solvents. The captured CO2 can then be stored underground or utilized in various applications, such as in the production of synthetic fuels or building materials.

Why are large-scale DAC facilities being built now?

Large-scale DAC facilities are being developed in response to the urgent need to address climate change and reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. As global emissions continue to rise, these facilities offer a potential solution to help mitigate the impacts of climate change by actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Additionally, advancements in technology and decreasing costs are making large-scale DAC more feasible and attractive for investment.

What are the potential benefits of large-scale DAC facilities?

The potential benefits of large-scale DAC facilities include significant reductions in atmospheric CO2 levels, which can help combat climate change. They can also create economic opportunities through the development of new technologies and jobs in the renewable energy sector. Furthermore, DAC can provide a means to achieve negative emissions, which is crucial for meeting global climate targets.

What are the challenges associated with building large-scale DAC facilities?

Challenges include high operational costs, energy requirements, and the need for significant infrastructure development. Additionally, public acceptance and regulatory frameworks are crucial for the successful deployment of DAC technologies. There are also concerns regarding the environmental impact of large-scale CO2 storage and the sourcing of materials for DAC systems.

How does large-scale DAC fit into broader climate change mitigation strategies?

Large-scale DAC is viewed as a complementary technology within a broader climate change mitigation strategy. While reducing emissions through renewable energy and energy efficiency is essential, DAC can help offset emissions that are difficult to eliminate entirely. It can also play a role in achieving net-zero targets by removing historical emissions from the atmosphere, thus contributing to a more sustainable future.

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