Direct air capture at scale

Direct air capture (DAC) is moving from pilot to scale, but neither solid nor liquid systems have reached commercial maturity. Understanding their technical trade-offs is critical for deployment.

Our whitepaper explores the strengths and limitations of solid and liquid DAC technologies, the two most advanced approaches to engineered carbon removal. We examine cost targets, energy requirements, water demand, and scalability, providing insights for decision-makers and technical teams alike. The report outlines what it will take to move DAC from pilot projects to megaton-scale deployment and why a portfolio approach is essential for success.

DAC technology developers identified and assessed in our internal DAC database.

The USD cost of carbon dioxide captured needed to unlock mainstream viability.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates DAC must capture ~65,000,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually to meet 2050 net-zero targets.

Key factors shaping DAC deployment

DAC is gaining momentum, but scaling it to deliver meaningful impact comes with complex challenges. Our research highlights four critical questions shaping technology choices and deployment strategies, and why a portfolio approach is essential.

How does the technical maturity of different technologies impact challenges to scaled deployment? Solid and liquid systems have advanced beyond pilots, but neither is fully commercial, and scale-up hurdles remain significant.
How should energy requirements be determined and compared across different DAC systems? Energy intensity dictates cost and feasibility; with desorption and many other factors driving overall energy demand.
How do geographical sensitivities impact technology choice and system design? Climate, water availability, and infrastructure can make one technology more viable than another in certain regions.
How does deployment scale influence the cost of capture and overall viability? Economies of scale matter, but so do modularity, land footprint, and local logistics. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Report

Explore the technical and economic trade-offs of solid versus liquid direct air capture (DAC) systems.

Gain insights on cost targets, energy requirements, water demand, and scalability to guide technology selection and investment decisions.

How we can help

Our multidisciplinary team of technical specialists is passionate about the energy transition, and the role of science and engineering in it. Our expertise with DAC technologies includes: