New to direct air capture? Get up to speed on what it is, how it works, and why it matters for climate and communities.

Greenhouse gases have accumulated in the atmosphere for centuries from humans’ use of fossil fuels, but did you know we can remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the air to help address climate change? Direct air capture (DAC) is a technology designed to remove CO₂ from our atmosphere, helping to reduce emissions that are either already emitted or difficult to eliminate.

While cutting emissions directly is the priority, many experts agree that large-scale carbon removal of existing and new emissions will also be necessary to meet climate goals outlined by international scientific organizations. The International Energy Agency estimates the global carbon management industry will need to capture or remove 1.2 billion metric tons of CO₂ per year between now and 2030 to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and prevent the worst effects of climate change. 

A new report from the US Department of Energy (DOE) takes a detailed look at direct air capture (DAC)—how it works, the different types of technology, and the companies developing it. This new report helps clear up uncertainties by defining DAC, analyzing trends, and reviewing the companies developing it. 

The report highlights that around 142 companies are working on DAC, with most focusing on processes that capture CO₂ for storage or further use. Although the majority are based in North America and Europe, the technology is gaining traction globally. Successfully scaling DAC will require investments in workforce development, CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure, and cross-industry collaboration. This report offers valuable insights into the current state of DAC and its potential role in achieving climate goals.

One clear takeaway: North America is a top destination for DAC companies. Read on to learn key facts and takeaways shared in the report. 

1. DAC technology is hundreds of years old. 

The history of DAC invention dates back to the early 1600s. Dutch inventor Cornelis Jacobszoon Drebbel used a similar method to remove CO₂ from the air inside submarines. In 1999, scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory suggested scaling the technology as a tool to address climate change. 

2. DAC works in three different ways. 

The DOE classifies DAC into three types: 

1. 1. CO₂-Concentrating DAC: Captures CO₂ from the air and stores it underground or uses it in products. 
   2. Reactive DAC: Captures CO₂ and repurposes it to create useful materials. 
   3. Direct Storage DAC: Similar to Reactive DAC, but instead of reusing CO₂, it turns it into stable substances for permanent storage. 

3. We need massive CO₂ removal to reach net-zero climate goals. 

The US will need to use DAC to remove 100 million to 2 billion metric tons of CO₂ per year by 2050 to achieve net-zero emissions, according to estimates in the Energy Modeling Forum 37 (EMF 37) study. To put that into perspective, the current US emissions are over 6 billion metric tons of CO₂ per year.

Many studies indicate that achieving climate targets will require the removal of tens to hundreds of billions of metric tons of CO₂ through DAC over the 21st century. Even with ambitious emissions reductions, large-scale DAC operations, potentially capturing billions of metric tons annually, will likely be necessary to reach and sustain net-zero and net-negative emissions. 

4. Over 140 companies are developing DAC across the globe. 

Right now, approximately 142 companies working in the DAC field. Of these 142, 121 focus on CO₂-concentrating DAC, 13 on Reactive DAC, and eight on Direct Storage DAC categories.   

5. North America leads in DAC development.

DAC companies are popping up all over the world, but North America leads the way with 81 companies based there. Here’s a look at where some of the others are located: