TO Øygardenon the western coast of Norway, will come to life what is destined to become The largest European project for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere through DAC technology (Direct Air Capture). To promote it are Phlaira German company specialized in direct capture of the air, e Carbon Removal Asthrough his controlled Norwegian North Kollsnes as.
The goal is to remove up to 500,000 tons of Co₂ per year in the second phase of the project. An equivalent amount, broadly, to the annual emissions of about 110,000 petrol cars. In the first phase, the plant will focus on an initial target of 60,000 tons per year.
How the DAC system works
Dac technology acts by absorbing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. This can then be reused as a raw material or permanently stored, if combined with seizure geological systems.
The system developed by Phlair stands out for a technical feature: It works exclusively with renewable energyin particular sun, and is flexible to the load, that is, able to adapt to the energy availability of the network. A not negligible point in a context of energy transition where renewable sources impose new stabilization challenges.
“Our DAC system is designed to support electrical networks and reduce CO₂ removal costs,” he explained Malte feuchtPHLAIR CEO. “We are laying the foundations for permanent removal of large -scale carbon,” he added to a note.
Because in Norway
The project will rise a few steps from Northern Lights Terminalthe first large European system for the transport and geological storage of CO₂, already operational in Norway. This allows for logistical and infrastructure integration for the project.
It is no coincidence, in fact, that the choice fell on Norway. The country has an electrical network entirely powered by renewable sources and already active geological storage infrastructures.
“We firmly believe in the prospects of the DAC in Norway and in its potential in the fight against climate change,” he said Eirik Lilledahlpresident of Carbon Removal As.
A pilot project
The agreement between the two companies provides that Phlair provides its Hydrolyzer modules, as well as engineering and installation services, while Northac will be responsible for the development of the project, infrastructure and operational management.
During the duration of the agreement, Carbon Removal will also be the only DAC customer of Phlair in Norway, consolidating an exclusive and long -term partnership.
The project, although still being a first implementation on a significant scale, intends to act as a forerunner for future initiatives similar in Europe.
A piece in European climatic strategy
In the debate on the effectiveness of technological solutions against climate change, the DAC remains an expensive technology and not without criticism. However, according to IEA, it will be able to play a complementary role in the strategies to reset net emissions, especially in the sectors where the direct reduction of emissions is difficult to implement.
