Climate change is an urgent and pressing issue that requires immediate action. One possible solution to combat the effects of climate change is direct air capture (DAC), a technology that aims to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While DAC is not a perfect solution, it can be seen as a form of community service, attempting to atone for the centuries of burning fossil fuels that have contributed to climate change.
However, the main challenge with DAC is its high cost. Currently, it costs between $600 to $1,000 to capture a metric ton of carbon, which is considered commercially unviable. To make DAC more feasible, numerous startups are working towards reducing the cost to capture one metric ton of carbon to $100 or less.
Despite the cost challenges, many investors and multinational corporations, such as Microsoft, Shopify, and Stripe, are optimistic about the future of DAC. They believe that eventually, the world will recognize the importance of DAC, similar to how we now treat wastewater instead of polluting rivers. These companies are investing in DAC startups and supporting their research and development efforts.
Some startups, like Climeworks and Carbon Engineering, are focused on achieving scale to help reduce costs. They use sorbents to extract carbon dioxide from the air, using heat to release it from the sorbents for storage elsewhere. However, smaller startups like Phlair propose that scale alone will not be sufficient in reducing costs.
Phlair, formerly known as Carbon Atlantis, has developed a different approach to DAC. Instead of relying on heat to release carbon dioxide, Phlair uses an acid to liberate the carbon dioxide from the sorbent. To produce the required acid and base, Phlair has developed a device called a hydrolyzer, which draws inspiration from the hydrogen industry.
Phlair’s DAC machine utilizes the “pH swing” method to capture carbon dioxide. The solvent, with a basic (high pH) state, absorbs carbon dioxide as it passes through the air contractor. Once saturated with carbon dioxide, the solvent is transferred to a tank where it is exposed to an acid (low pH), triggering a chemical reaction that releases the carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide can then be transported and utilized or stored. The solvent is then regenerated and flows back into the hydrolyzer.
Phlair plans to deploy a pilot DAC plant in the coming weeks, with a capacity to capture around 10 metric tons of carbon per year. They are also working on larger plants with a capacity of 260 metric tons, which are expected to come online in late 2025. These plants will collaborate with partners like Paebble in the Netherlands to deliver carbon for cement additive production, and Deep Sky in Canada for carbon storage.
In order to fund these projects, Phlair has raised €12 million in seed funding and received a €2.5 million grant from the EU’s EIC Accelerator. Investors include Exantia Capital, Atlantic Labs, Counteract, Planet A, UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators, and Verve Ventures.
The demand for carbon credits is also growing. Phlair has already sold a number of carbon credits to organizations like Frontier, which works with prominent companies such as Alphabet, Meta, Shopify, and Stripe. This advanced market commitment for direct air capture demonstrates the growing interest and support for DAC.
The CEO of Phlair, Malte Feucht, highlights the unique opportunity that exists today to address the carbon problem and build a functioning company. Previously, such efforts would have required establishing an NGO, but now, there is a viable opportunity to serve customers, generate revenue, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
In conclusion, direct air capture offers a potential solution to combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While the technology is currently expensive, numerous startups are working to reduce costs to make it commercially viable. By developing innovative approaches, like Phlair’s acid-based method, and leveraging scale, these startups are making strides towards achieving more affordable direct air capture. With the support of investors and multinational corporations, the future of DAC looks promising. As we navigate the challenges of climate change, DAC could serve as an important tool to help restore the balance in our atmosphere and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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