The Department of Energy (DOE) has made a groundbreaking $1.2 billion investment in two direct air capture (DAC) facilities in Texas and Louisiana, representing the world’s largest carbon removal projects. This investment is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aiming to address carbon dioxide pollution and reduce emissions.
According to the DOE, these projects are projected to remove over 250 times more carbon dioxide than the largest DAC facility currently in operation. The investment aligns with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs program, which focuses on combating carbon dioxide pollution while promoting emission reduction efforts.
Direct air capture is a process that involves separating carbon from the air and then either storing it deep underground or converting it into carbon-containing products like concrete. To achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, the DOE estimates that around 400 million to 1.8 billion tons of carbon will need to be removed and captured annually. The combined efforts of these projects have the potential to remove over 2 million tons of carbon per year.
U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, emphasized the importance of both reducing carbon emissions and removing the existing CO2 in the atmosphere to effectively combat climate change. Granholm praised the once-in-a-generation investment made possible by President Biden’s agenda, stating that it lays the groundwork for a vital direct air capture industry that tackles climate change, boosts local economies, and creates healthier communities.
In addition to their environmental benefits, these new hubs contribute to Biden’s Justice40 initiative. This initiative aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in clean energy and climate action go to disadvantaged communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change. The DOE plans to meet with nearby communities for both projects to ensure that development aligns with the needs of the region. Furthermore, each project is expected to create approximately 2,500 jobs, with a focus on local hiring and providing employment opportunities for workers formerly employed by the fossil fuel industry.
Alongside the major projects, the DOE has announced 19 additional projects that will focus on early-stage DAC project development. These selected projects will enter award negotiations. Furthermore, the DOE intends to expand its Carbon Negative Shot program by offering funding opportunities for the development and commercialization of innovative carbon dioxide removal technologies and research.
