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

As nations strive to meet their carbon reduction commitments, global emissions have surged to unprecedented levels. Addressing this challenge necessitates effective methods for extracting carbon directly from the atmosphere, a process often hampered by high energy demands and costs. DACLab, an innovative startup, claims to have developed a system that captures one metric ton of CO2 using significantly less energy than the industry standard. According to Aditya Bhandari, co-founder and CEO, DACLab's technology operates at an impressive 1,500 kilowatt hours per metric ton, compared to the expected 2,000 kWh once fully optimized. Emerging from four years of stealth mode, DACLab recently announced it has secured $3 million in seed funding, backed by notable investors including early Discord supporter Peter Relan and Silver Lake co-founder Dave Roux. Unlike traditional direct air capture methods that combine CO2 absorption and release in a single unit, DACLab adopts a bifurcated approach. This entails capturing CO2 in one location and releasing it in another, utilizing a lower heat requirement of around 70˚ C for solid sorbent materials. This design is typically more prevalent in industrial settings where exhaust is more concentrated. The foundation of DACLab's technology originates from a collaboration with Shell and TU Wien in Austria, where they successfully operated a point-source carbon capture facility for nearly three years. This unique background sets DACLab apart from many other startups in the direct air capture space. The company has already constructed two units capable of capturing 100 metric tons of CO2 annually, with plans to scale up to units that can capture 1,000 and 5,000 metric tons. The initial deployment will take place in Washington State, with future installations planned for Kenya. With a competitive price point of under $500,000 for the 100-metric ton unit, DACLab aims to cater to oil and gas companies, carbon project developers, and those engaged in e-fuel production for aviation. Looking ahead, the startup is ambitious in its goal to further reduce energy consumption to below 1,000 kWh per metric ton, potentially lowering the cost of carbon capture to just $250 per ton. Bhandari emphasized that while DACLab does not aim to make unrealistic promises, they are committed to rejuvenating the carbon capture industry through tangible results.