Iceland Plant Captures CO2 from Air
- A new facility in Iceland is dedicated to capturing and storing CO2 directly from the atmosphere.
- This initiative is part of efforts to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
- The success of such technology could lead to broader applications in global CO2 reduction efforts.
A groundbreaking carbon capture initiative, known as Mammoth, has been operational for two months in Iceland, effectively removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and converting it into stone through a unique geological process. Developed by the Icelandic firm Carbfix, this method involves injecting CO2 into basalt rock formations, where it mineralizes and becomes a stable solid. Dr. Martin Voigt from Carbfix highlighted the significance of this process, noting that the captured CO2 fills the pores of the basalt, transforming it into carbonate minerals. Mammoth boasts a capacity to capture 36,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to the emissions from approximately 8,000 petrol cars. This facility is nearly ten times larger than Climeworks' previous plant, Orca. However, the cost of capturing and storing CO2 remains high, with Climeworks currently spending around $1,000 per tonne. The company aims to reduce this cost to between $300 and $400 by the end of the decade, as emphasized by Microsoft’s Brian Marrs, who advocates for carbon removal as a crucial component in addressing climate change. Looking ahead, Mammoth will soon be surpassed by Project Cypress, set to commence in 2026 in the United States. This ambitious project aims to capture up to one million tonnes of CO2 annually, utilizing advanced technology that promises to be more cost-effective and energy-efficient. Despite these advancements, experts like Dr. Sólnes caution that direct air capture alone will not solve the climate crisis, as global emissions continue to rise significantly.