Innovative Carbon Capture Technology from RepAir Carbon
In recent years, the cost of direct air capture (DAC) technologies, which extract carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, has evolved significantly. While still viewed as expensive, advancements in this field offer solutions that could make DAC more accessible to various companies, including large corporations like Microsoft, which aims to be carbon negative by 2030. However, many smaller businesses continue to find the current pricing prohibitive.
RepAir Carbon: Redefining Affordability in Carbon Capture
A promising startup, RepAir Carbon, is working on a revolutionary approach to carbon capture that could substantially reduce costs, potentially reaching as low as $70 to $80 per metric ton of CO2 collected. This figure starkly contrasts the approximately $600 per metric ton associated with traditional methods, presenting a more financially viable option.
Recently, RepAir Carbon secured a $15 million extension to their Series A funding round. Notable investors include Exantia Capital and Taranis Carbon Ventures, with additional backing from Ormat Technologies and Repsol, complemented by a $3 million grant from the Israeli Innovation Authority.
How RepAir Carbon Works
What sets RepAir Carbon apart is its innovative use of electricity in the carbon capture process. Traditional systems typically utilize solvents that require heating to release captured CO2, which creates downtime and necessitates multiple modules to maintain efficiency. In contrast, RepAir’s system operates similarly to a fuel cell, functioning more like a battery.
The process involves drawing air or flue gas into a reaction chamber, where it interacts with a nickel-based electrode. An electrical current runs through this electrode, facilitating the attraction of CO2 to hydroxide to form negatively charged carbonate and bicarbonate ions. These ions are then transferred to a positively charged electrode, reverting back to CO2 and hydroxide. The CO2 is collected for storage, while the hydroxide is reused in an efficient cycle.
Benefits of RepAir’s Technology
- Continuous Operation: Unlike other technologies that need time to regenerate, RepAir’s system captures CO2 and regenerates simultaneously, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Scalability: With multiple stacks of electrodes in each reaction chamber, the system can adapt to varying electricity inputs to optimize performance.
- Versatile Applications: RepAir aims to capture CO2 from both the atmosphere and exhaust from industrial processes, including discussions to implement its technology in gas turbines to reduce emissions from data centers.
Future Prospects and Industry Interest
Although it is still early in its development, RepAir’s innovative carbon capture technology has garnered significant interest, particularly in energy-intensive sectors. “It’s early, but it’s something we’re working on and we have strong interest coming from that specific area,” noted Amir Shiner, co-founder and CEO of RepAir Carbon.
In sum, as the urgency for affordable climate solutions intensifies, RepAir Carbon aims to reshape the landscape of carbon capture technology, offering a tangible pathway towards reduced emissions and a more sustainable future.
