Persistence Pays Off For Direct Air Carbon Capture

The article highlights significant progress in the field of direct air carbon capture (DAC), focusing on the collaboration between Swiss firm Climeworks and Icelandic startup Carbfix at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant. Since its founding in 2009, Climeworks has been developing DAC technology to economically remove atmospheric CO2. Partnering with Carbfix, which specializes in underground carbon mineralization, they have integrated DAC with Carbfix’s process of injecting CO2-rich, acidic carbonated water into basaltic rock formations. This results in rapid mineralization, permanently storing over 95% of injected CO2 as stable carbonates within two years—much faster than previously expected. The geothermal plant’s volcanic emissions, although low compared to fossil fuel plants, provide a target for this carbon removal, enhancing Iceland’s reputation for low-carbon energy. The collaboration has evolved since 2017, with Climeworks expanding its DAC facility at Hellisheiði and applying lessons from their initial “Arctic Fox” pilot.