The world’s largest direct air capture (DAC) facility, Mammoth, is making waves in the fight against climate change. Located in Iceland, this facility developed by Swiss firm Climeworks has been running for two months and is already making a significant impact. Mammoth is capable of capturing 36,000 tons of CO2 every year, reversing emissions that have already been pumped into the atmosphere.
The technology behind Mammoth involves powerful fans that suck up air every 40 seconds, capturing CO2 and storing it deep underground where it turns to stone. The electricity needed to power this process comes from a neighboring geothermal power plant, making Mammoth emissions-free while operating.
Once the CO2 is captured, it is mixed with fresh water and pumped underground where it reacts with volcanic basalt, turning into carbonate minerals and locking it away. This process is quick, with around 95% of the CO2 mineralized within two years.
Despite some critics of DAC technology citing high costs and energy consumption, Climeworks is confident in the potential of Mammoth and similar projects. With customers like Microsoft, H&M, and Lego on board, Mammoth has already sold close to a third of its lifetime capacity. The company aims to drive down costs and scale up operations in the coming years.
While some experts argue that capturing CO2 at the source would be more efficient, Climeworks believes that DAC technology can play a crucial role in combating global warming. With plans for even larger projects in the future, like US-based Project Cypress, the potential for DAC to make a significant impact on reducing emissions is promising.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to slash emissions and combat climate change, innovative solutions like Mammoth offer hope for a more sustainable future.
