Sargent & Lundy Designs Global Thermostat DAC System

Green tech startup Global Thermostat has unveiled an engineering blueprint for scaling up its direct air capture (DAC) technology to remove over 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. If implemented, this would represent a major advancement in the commercialization of DAC to help address climate change.

The company has spent over a decade developing its patented direct air capture solution, which uses high-efficiency fans and custom air contactors to capture ambient CO2. This CO2 can then be safely stored underground or used as a substitute for fossil-based carbon in sustainable fuels, plastics, concrete, and more.

According to Global Thermostat CEO Paul Nahi, "Our new M-Series design leverages the unique advantages and proven capabilities of our core solution while putting it into an even larger, more efficient, and more cost-effective form factor."

The ambitious scale-up design was funded by the Department of Energy and developed in conjunction with engineering leader Sargent & Lundy. S&L VP Kevin Lauzze stated, "Growing the technology to commercial scale is a critical step toward wide deployment. It continues our journey...to now being able to remove carbon from the atmosphere to help reach net-zero goals and beyond.”

Nahi explained that the new modular design contains over 600% more CO2 capture components per module compared to their smaller plants. The modules are designed for efficient mass production and rapid on-site installation. By aggregating modules together into the overall plant, Global Thermostat can cost-effectively scale capacity from tens of thousands into the millions of tonnes per year.

Nahi added that this signifies a significant advancement in the amount of carbon dioxide customers can remove from the atmosphere for their requirements. He emphasized that they are on schedule to initiate the delivery of carbon dioxide removal and sustainable sources of carbon at a scale and within a timeframe that aligns with global needs.

Scientists widely agree that direct air capture technology is essential for achieving global net zero emissions and stabilizing the climate. The latest IPCC report stated that “Carbon Dioxide Removal is necessary to achieve net zero CO2 and GHG emissions both globally and nationally."