DACLab says it can remove CO2 using less electricity than many competitors

DACLab, a startup emerging from stealth mode with $3 million in seed funding, claims it can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using significantly less electricity than many competitors. While direct air capture (DAC) typically requires around 2,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per metric ton of CO2 captured, DACLab reports achieving this at approximately 1,500 kWh per ton, with plans to reduce consumption below 1,000 kWh per ton. Their technology, adapted from an industrial carbon capture system developed at TU Wien in Austria in partnership with Shell, separates the CO2 capture and release processes into different locations, allowing for lower heat requirements (around 70°C) and improved energy efficiency compared to conventional integrated systems. DACLab has built two pilot units capable of capturing 100 metric tons of CO2 annually, priced under $500,000 each, with plans to scale up to units capturing 1,000 and 5,000 metric tons per year. Initial