What is direct air capture?

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technology that removes carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere.

Using high-powered fans, air is drawn into a processing facility where the CO₂ is separated through a series of chemical reactions. Then the CO₂ is either permanently stored in underground reservoirs through secure geologic sequestration, or is used to make new products such as building materials and low-carbon fuels.

STRATOS Render overhead shot encompassed in concentric circle

Why it's important

According to the sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “In addition to deep, rapid, and sustained emission reductions, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) can fulfill three different complementary roles globally or at country level: lowering net CO₂ or net GHG emissions in the near term; counterbalancing ‘hard-to-abate’ residual emissions (e.g., emissions from agriculture, aviation, shipping, industrial processes) in order to help reach net zero CO₂ or net zero GHG emissions in the mid-term; and achieving net negative CO₂ or GHG emissions in the long term if deployed at levels exceeding annual residual emissions.”²

Net global CO₂ emissions

Fig. SPM.5 IPCC 6th Assessment Report, Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change

How DAC Works

1PointFive is developing Carbon Engineering’s Direct Air Capture technology. This technology works by drawing air into a facility using a series of large fans. The air comes in contact with a chemical solution that binds to the CO₂ molecules. The CO₂-rich solution is then processed through a series of reactions that separate, purify and compress the CO₂. The resulting CO₂ can then be permanently stored or used as a feedstock for other products.

For a detailed explanation of the DAC process, watch the video below.

Design one.

1PointFive is working with global EPC Worley on the design and construction of our first facility, STRATOS, using proven processes and equipment.

We’re designing these facilities to leverage modularity in the air contactor systems while taking advantage of economies of scale in a centralized processing facility where the captured CO₂ can be aggregated and processed in large volumes.

DAC facilities require electricity to operate the air contactors and processing equipment. All 1PointFive facilities will be powered by zero-emission energy sources, such as wind, solar or NET Power.

Each tonne of CO₂ removed from the atmosphere by 1PointFive will be quantified by net lifecycle emissions analysis (LCA) and verified by a third party in compliance with recognized methodologies.

Diagram showing air contactors and central processing facility

Build many.

As 1PointFive continues its development, we plan to focus on regions that meet the following criteria:

Have public policy and incentives that support CO₂ removals in place today or are expected to during this development timeframe
Show growing demand for carbon removal credits or low-carbon fuels
Possess scalable business attributes such as geologic storage, synthetic fuel production inputs and zero-emission electricity production
Have sustainable development goals

Growing Corporate Support

Voluntary support for DAC is increasing in the corporate sector. More and more companies across a wide range of industries are committing to net-zero emissions and seeking solutions to achieve their targets. Industry leaders including Airbus, SK, Shopify, and ThermoFisher have shown early support for 1PointFive DAC.

DAC Economics

The Goldman Sachs Carbonomics 2020 Emission Abatement cost curve includes five gigatons of non-abatable emissions, which DAC can address. Additionally, DAC can provide a lower-cost abatement solution in the near-term for hard-to-decarbonize transportation industries, where the average cost of abatement via alternative fuels exceeds $600/tonne.

1PointFive DAC carbon removal can provide a competitively priced solution for these hard-to-abate sectors.

The Goldman Sachs Carbonomics 2020 emission abatement cost curve

Partners

Carbon Engineering (CE) is a DAC technology company, which is now wholly owned by 1PointFive's parent company. CE is focused on developing and innovating large-scale DAC technology that captures CO₂ out of the atmosphere so it can be permanently stored deep underground or used to produce fuels. 1PointFive is deploying Carbon Engineering's DAC technology in its facilities. Learn more about how CE continues to innovate at carbonengineering.com.

Worley is a global company headquartered in Australia whose purpose is to deliver a more sustainable world. Worley is a leading global provider of professional project and asset services in the energy, chemicals and resources sectors. As a knowledge-based service provider, Worley helps its customers reduce their emissions and move toward a low carbon future. Visit worley.com for more information.

“Partnering with 1PointFive on this project aligns perfectly with our desire to deliver a more sustainable world,” noted Worley CEO Chris Ashton. “And their vision of a circular economy that includes Direct Air Capture has the power to drive future sustainability at the intersection of economics, energy and the environment. Climate change is a big challenge to take on. But we’ll have some of the brightest minds in the world on this historic project.”

Render of CO2 injection well underground

Geologic Sequestration

Learn more

DAC Applications