America’s first direct air capture facility opens in California

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🗞️ Driving the news: Heirloom Carbon Technologies has launched a direct air capture (DAC) facility in Tracy, California, with an annual goal of removing 1,000 tonnes of CO2 
•  This facility uses a unique, cost-effective limestone-based process for atmospheric CO2 capture

🔭 The context: DAC, a rapidly developing field, is one of three main carbon capture methods 
•  It offers an alternative to pre-combustion and post-combustion capture, which focus on preventing CO2 release rather than extracting it from the atmosphere

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: DAC is a crucial tool in the fight against climate change 
•  Although not a standalone solution, it assists in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and supports efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions

⏭️ What's next: The U.S. plans to expand DAC capabilities significantly, with the Department of Energy funding two facilities capable of removing 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually

💬 One quote: "Advancements in direct air capture represent how ingenuity and dedication above all, are the strongest tools we have in the fight against climate change and its impacts." (Michael Chase, University College Dublin)

📈 One stat: The current average cost for carbon capture credits ranges from $600-$1,000 per tonne, but Heirloom aims to reduce this to $100/tonne by 2035

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