Revolutionizing Carbon Capture: DACLab’s Cost-Effective Approach to Removing CO₂
Despite global commitments to reduce carbon emissions, atmospheric CO₂ levels soared to unprecedented heights last year, highlighting the urgent need for effective removal strategies. Removing CO₂ directly from the air, known as direct air capture (DAC), presents a promising solution but comes with significant energy costs. Typically, scaling up existing tech requires around 2,000 kWh per metric ton of CO₂ — a hefty price tag that limits widespread adoption.
However, DACLab, a stealthy startup emerging with fresh funding, claims to be lowering these costs. According to CEO Aditya Bhandari, DACLab's technology achieves the capture using approximately 1,500 kWh per metric ton—considerably less than traditional methods. The company just announced a seed round of $3 million led by early Discord investor Peter Relan, with notable investors including Silver Lake co-founder Dave Roux and WovenEarth Ventures founder Jane Woodward.
How Does DACLab’s Technology Work?
Most direct air capture systems blow air over solid materials that absorb CO₂, which then needs to be released—usually by applying heat in the range of 80°C to 120°C. Many startups combine the capture and release processes within a single unit to cut costs. DACLab, however, employs a bifurcated system: capturing CO₂ in one location and releasing it in another, which allows for lower operating temperatures (~70°C) and potentially more energy-efficient operation.
This separation design is inspired by industrial carbon capture setups with more concentrated exhaust streams. DACLab’s technology stems from its collaboration with TU Wien in Austria and a partnership with Shell that operated a similar system for nearly three years—making it Austria’s largest carbon capture facility at the time.
From Industrial Roots to Air Capture
DACLab has adapted this industrial technology for direct air capture, building two units capable of removing 100 metric tons of CO₂ annually. The company plans to scale up, aiming for units that capture 1,000 and 5,000 metric tons per year. The smaller units will be deployed first in Washington State, with larger facilities planned for Kenya. The current cost for its 100-ton unit is below $500,000.
Future Goals and Cost Reduction
DACLab aims to reduce energy consumption further, targeting below 1,000 kWh per metric ton. Achieving this would enable the company to bring down the cost of CO₂ removal to as low as $250 per ton—a significant milestone for the industry. CEO Bhandari emphasizes a realistic outlook: “We’re not promising $100 per ton today, but we’re committed to making a practical impact and revitalizing this essential industry with transparent goals.”
Conclusion
As the world races to meet climate goals, innovations like DACLab’s more efficient and affordable direct air capture technology could play a crucial role. By leveraging industrial designs and focusing on energy reduction, DACLab is working toward scalable solutions that might finally make carbon removal economically viable for widespread implementation.
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For more insights on climate tech and innovation, contact Tim De Chant at techcrunch.com.