Technologies of the energy transition: Direct Air Capture

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technological process that separates CO₂ emissions directly from the air. The source of the captured CO₂ makes DAC distinct from Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) technologies that trap CO₂ emissions directly at the point of emissions (from flue gases). DAC involves using large-scale fans to suck in ambient air, which is then passed through a liquid solvent or solid sorbent to separate CO₂, in a concentrated form, from other gases. The resulting captured CO₂ can either be used directly (for example, in the beverage industry or to produce synthetic aggregates or synfuels) or stored geologically.