· 3 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on HEATMAP or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: In Alberta, Canada, Deep Sky has launched an ambitious direct air capture (DAC) testing facility, aiming to drive innovation in carbon removal technology
• The company has assembled multiple DAC systems from various startups, like CarbonCapture Inc., to test their effectiveness in reducing atmospheric CO2
• This project marks a shift from U.S.-based efforts after political support for DAC technology waned under the Trump administration
• The site in Alberta, called Deep Sky Alpha, is rapidly growing, with five DAC units currently in operation, and plans for further expansion
🔭 The context: Deep Sky’s approach differs from many DAC startups: it buys and operates existing technology, selling carbon credits based on the amount of CO2 it captures
• The company aims to explore a range of DAC systems to determine which are most effective in various climates and conditions
• This testing ground is critical for scaling DAC technologies, which remain energy-intensive and costly
• Deep Sky’s model relies on collaboration with companies like CarbonCapture, which also chose to move its operations to Canada due to favorable policies and incentives
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Direct air capture is one of the few methods available to remove CO2 that has already been emitted, a crucial part of strategies to mitigate climate change
• By testing multiple DAC technologies side by side, Deep Sky is contributing to the development of more efficient and scalable carbon removal solutions
• This work could play a pivotal role in helping countries meet their climate goals, especially as DAC is seen as key to achieving net-zero emissions and mitigating global warming
⏭️ What's next: While the Alberta site is still in its early stages, Deep Sky plans to scale up operations and improve efficiency
• The facility will also serve as a proving ground for new DAC technologies, with more units from companies like Skytree and GE Vernova scheduled for installation
• However, scaling DAC to the level needed to significantly impact emissions will require ongoing development and large investments
• In Alberta, the region's regulatory environment remains mixed, with policies that support both carbon capture and the continued growth of the oil industry
💬 One quote: "If we can do something this complex, there’s a lot of room to simplify." — Alex Petre, CEO of Deep Sky
📈 One stat: Deep Sky has already installed five DAC units at its Deep Sky Alpha site and plans to expand with two more systems soon
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