Startup DACLab Aims to Reduce Carbon Capture Costs by 50% with Innovative Technology
In an effort to curb escalating carbon emissions globally, direct air capture technology emerges as a promising solution despite its energy-intensive nature. One startup, DACLab, claims to have already achieved significant progress in reducing the energy consumption associated with this process.
“We have data that demonstrates we can achieve 1,500 kilowatt hours per metric ton,” shared Aditya Bhandari, co-founder and CEO of DACLab. The startup, which has been operating under the radar for four years, recently secured $3 million in seed funding, a detail exclusively disclosed to media outlets.
The round was spearheaded by early Discord investor Peter Relan, with participation from Silver Lake co-founder Dave Roux, WovenEarth Ventures founder Jane Woodward, and others.
Traditionally, direct air capture involves blowing air over a solid material that absorbs carbon dioxide. As the material becomes saturated, the carbon dioxide must be released for storage elsewhere, a process often requiring substantial energy, frequently involving temperatures between 80°C to 120°C. Liquid sorbents necessitate even higher temperatures.
To cut down on construction costs, many startups integrate capture and release processes within the same unit. DACLab, however, separates these two stages, capturing carbon dioxide in one location and releasing it in another. The heat required for this solid sorbent is relatively low, around 70°C, according to Bhandari.
This bifurcated setup is more commonly found at industrial sites with concentrated exhaust streams. DACLab’s technology was adapted from such industrial designs. Another startup, Global Thermostat, which was recently sold for parts, also employed a split design.
The technology originates from TU Wein in Austria, where a partnership with Shell produced a point-source carbon capture unit that operated for nearly three years. This setup was the largest carbon capture facility in Austria at the time.
DACLab has built two units capable of capturing 100 metric tons annually and plans to develop larger models capturing 1,000 and 5,000 metric tons yearly. The smaller unit will be deployed in Washington State, while the larger one is set for installation in Kenya.
DACLab prices its 100-metric ton unit under $500,000, and aims to supply these units to oil and gas companies, carbon project developers, and e-fuel manufacturers for airplanes.
The company aspires to further reduce energy consumption to less than 1,000 kWh per metric ton, a goal that would bring the cost of capturing carbon dioxide down to $250 per metric ton. However, Bhandari is cautious about making ambitious promises: “We’re not going to be one of those direct air capture companies that guarantee we will reach $100 per metric ton today. Our hope is to reinvigorate this much-needed industry, which currently seems filled with empty promises.”
