Technologies

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is used to remove CO2 directly from the atmosphere. Special filters or chemical processes are used to capture the CO2. The technology allows CO2 to be captured in large quantities and then either stored or used to manufacture products.

One common method involves the use of large fans or blowers to move large volumes of air through filter units. The filter units in DAC plants are equipped with absorbent materials that capture CO2 from the air. These materials can be, for example, chemical solutions or porous substances that have a high affinity for CO2. The CO2 is absorbed or chemically bound by the materials.

By using DAC, more CO2 can be removed from the atmosphere than is released during the production and operation of a given technology. This results in what are known as "negative emissions." Negative emissions are important to offset the greenhouse gases that have been released to date and reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere. DAC is often considered as a complement to other climate change mitigation measures. For example, it can be used in combination with renewable energy to offset CO2 emissions from fossil fuels.