Climeworks is a Swiss company specializing in capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air using Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. The captured CO2 can then be used for various purposes, such as enhancing oil recovery, producing carbon-neutral fuels, and as a raw material for other industries.
The technology behind Climeworks’ DAC systems is relatively simple. Air is sucked into the machine and passed through a filter that absorbs the CO2. The CO2 is then released from the filter and captured. The process is then repeated, with the captured CO2 being stored or used for other purposes.
Climeworks operates several DAC facilities worldwide, including the world’s first commercial DAC plant in Switzerland, which captures 900 tons of CO2 per year. The company also partners with other organizations to provide CO2 removal solutions and to develop new uses for captured CO2.
One of the main advantages of Climeworks’ technology is that it can be deployed in a variety of settings and can capture CO2 from sources that are difficult to reach, such as industrial facilities or power plants. Additionally, the company’s DAC systems can be combined with other carbon capture technologies, such as those used in power plants, to create a fully integrated carbon capture and utilization solution.
One of the main challenges facing Climeworks and other companies working on DAC technology is the cost of capturing CO2. The price per tonne of CO2 captured using DAC technology is currently higher than the cost of capturing CO2 from power plant flue gas, the most common method now used.
However, as the technology and the market for captured CO2 continue to develop, it is expected that the cost of DAC will decrease.
In conclusion, Climeworks is a company that uses Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to capture CO2 from the air and use it for various purposes. Their technology can be deployed in multiple settings and capture CO2 from difficult-to-reach sources. However, one of the main challenges facing Climeworks and other companies working on DAC technology is the cost of capturing CO2, which is currently high. But as the technology and the market for captured CO2 continue to develop, the cost is expected to decrease.