Solar-Powered Direct Air Capture: Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment

Abstract

Direct air capture (DAC) of CO 2 has gained attention as a sustainable carbon source. One of the most promising technologies currently available is liquid solvent DAC (L-DAC), but the significant fraction of fossil CO 2 in the output stream hinders its utilization in carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals. Fossil CO 2 is generated and captured during the combustion of fuels to calcine carbonates, which is difficult to decarbonize due to the high temperatures required. Solar thermal energy can provide green high-temperature heat, but it flourishes in arid regions where environmental conditions are typically unfavorable for L-DAC. This study proposes a solar-powered L-DAC approach and develops a model to assess the influence of the location and plant capacity on capture costs. The performed life cycle assessment enables the comparison of technologies based on net CO 2 removal, demonstrating that solar-powered L-DAC is not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective than conventional L-DAC.

Prospective environmental burdens and benefits of fast-swing direct air carbon capture and storage

“…The main contributor is the electricity consumption of the heat pump for CO 2 desorption from the sorbent material. This finding is in line with other LCAs on sorbent-based DAC systems 4 , 13 – 16 , 46 – 48 . The environmental impacts associated with electricity consumption are determined by the grid mix composition specific to each background scenario, and the choice of electricity configuration.…”

Perspectives and Outlook of E-fuels: Production, Cost Effectiveness, and Applications

“…LCOD is derived by subtracting the FCC and indirect GHG emissions, as well as additional sequestration costs, from the total amount of CO 2 captured. This metric also accounts for the uncertainties associated with both technoeconomic and life cycle assessments (LCA) . Alain Goeppert et al conducted preliminary research on the chemical mechanisms of CO 2 capture using polyamine-based renewable solid adsorbents.…”