The DAC consists of compressor units that suck atmospheric air and then send it to the collector, where CO2 is absorbed by a special filter. After saturation, the collector is closed and heated to release the trapped CO2.

The extracted CO2 is then mixed with water and pumped into rocks for mineralization. Although DAC technology shows promise in combating climate change, questions remain about its scalability.

• Climeworks began its DAC research in 2009 at the Swiss Technical University Zurich (ETH Zürich). It has received significant investments of over $780 million from various independent sources.
• Climeworks made history in 2017 by becoming the first company to commercialize CO2 used in soda and greenhouse production.
• The Orca facility in Iceland was a major milestone for DAC in 2021.

Mamut is currently working 12 modular installationsand plans by the end of the year increase the number to 72. At full capacity, Mammoth plans to capture approximately 10 times more CO2 each year than Orca’s installation. But this figure is modest compared to the emissions of individual companies such as Microsoft.

Although Mammoth is the largest operating facility, it primarily serves as a technology showcase for larger global initiatives in development.

Mammoth / Photo: Climeworks

Climeworks aims to enter the growing American market with ambitious projects backed by significant political and financial support. A total of $3.5 billion in federal funding was allocated to DAC companies, with significant investments directed to initiatives in Louisiana and California.

Climeworks will utilize geothermal energy use and natural underground storage at Hellishade, minimizing costs and eliminating the need for extensive pipeline infrastructure. In contrast, proposed US SSR projects face obstacles such as high costs, environmental concerns, and opposition to pipeline construction.