In the last ten years, the field of direct air capture (DAC) technology has evolved significantly, shifting from exorbitantly priced solutions to those that are merely costly. Large corporations like Microsoft, aiming to neutralise their carbon emissions by 2030, are willing to invest heavily in such technologies. However, smaller enterprises often find the costs prohibitive.
Enter RepAir Carbon, a startup that seeks to revolutionise carbon capture using concepts inspired by battery technology. Their innovative approach could potentially reduce the expense of capturing carbon dioxide to between $70 and $80 per metric ton—a drastic drop in comparison to current methods that can cost approximately $600 per ton.
Recently, RepAir secured a $15 million extension in their Series A funding round, primarily led by Extantia Capital and Taranis Carbon Ventures, along with support from Ormat Technologies and Repsol. Additionally, the Israeli Innovation Authority offered a $3 million grant to bolster their efforts.
RepAir’s cost-effective model hinges on its unique use of electricity to facilitate the carbon capture process. Unlike most similar technologies that rely on solvents needing to be heated for CO₂ extraction, RepAir employs a more efficient method driven by electric power. As described by co-founder and CEO Amir Shiner, their device operates more similarly to a battery or fuel cell.
In the device, two electrodes are separated by a membrane. When air or exhaust gas enters the reaction chamber, it interacts with a nickel-based electrode that’s electrically charged. Hydroxide is strategically positioned to attract carbon dioxide, resulting in the formation of negatively charged carbonate and bicarbonate ions. These ions migrate through the membrane towards the positive electrode. Upon contact, they revert to CO₂ and hydroxide, which is then collected for storage.
What sets RepAir apart from competitors is its ability to regenerate while continuously working, as opposed to needing downtime to heat solvents for CO₂ release. Each reaction chamber in RepAir’s system features multiple stacked anode and separator combinations, allowing for variable electricity application to maintain optimal efficiency.
This cutting-edge technology targets carbon capture from both ambient air and emissions from sources like power plants. RepAir is currently exploring partnerships with developers to integrate its systems with gas turbines, particularly with an eye towards reducing carbon footprints in data centres.
Shiner indicates that while their technology is in the early stages, interest from potential collaborators in the field is growing, marking a promising step forward in the pursuit of sustainable emission reduction solutions.
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