DAC

DAC stands for “Direct Air Capture.” It is a technology designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ can then be stored underground or used in various industrial processes, such as in the production of synthetic fuels or carbonated beverages. Key points about DAC: 1. **Technology**: DAC systems use chemical processes to capture CO₂ from the ambient air. There are different methods, such as using liquid solvents or solid sorbents to bind the CO₂. 2. **Applications**: The captured CO₂ can be: – Sequestered in geological formations to prevent it from re-entering the atmosphere. – Utilized in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). – Used in the production of carbon-neutral fuels, chemicals, and materials. 3. **Environmental Impact**: DAC is considered a potential tool for mitigating climate change by reducing the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere. It can complement other strategies such as reducing emissions at the source and enhancing natural carbon sinks. 4. **Challenges**: The technology is currently expensive and energy-intensive, but ongoing research and development aim to reduce costs and improve efficiency. 5. **Companies and Projects**: Several companies and projects are working on DAC technologies, including Climeworks, Carbon Engineering, and Global Thermostat. These companies are developing and scaling up DAC systems to capture significant amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere. Overall, DAC is seen as a promising, albeit developing, approach to addressing climate change by actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere.