Hellisheiði, Iceland – A groundbreaking industrial facility named Mammoth has recently launched in Hellisheiði, Iceland, marking the largest operation designed to filter carbon dioxide out of the air. Operated by Swiss climate tech company Climeworks, Mammoth has already attracted esteemed clients such as JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Stripe, and Shopify, showcasing the growing interest in carbon capture technology among major corporations.
Mammoth stands as the most significant Direct Air Capture (DAC) plant in operation, capable of capturing nearly 10 times more CO2 than its predecessor, Orca, once fully operational. With an annual capacity to capture around 36,000 tons of carbon dioxide, Mammoth represents a significant step toward combating carbon emissions, although the amount captured is still relatively small compared to the massive carbon footprints of major companies like Microsoft.
Climeworks and other climate tech companies have ambitious plans for expansion in the United States, where the industry benefits from substantial policy support. The Biden administration, for example, allocated $3.5 billion in federal funds for the development of at least four DAC hubs, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing carbon capture technology as a key solution to climate change.
In Iceland, Climeworks’ DAC facilities operate using modular “collector containers” equipped with fans that draw in ambient air. The air then passes through a specialized filter that traps the carbon dioxide, which is subsequently released by heating the filter to 100 degrees Celsius. By partnering with Carbfix, Climeworks ensures that the captured CO2 remains sequestered in Iceland’s basalt rock formations, where it undergoes a transformation into solid rock, eliminating the risk of re-entering the atmosphere.
One of Climeworks’ advantages in Iceland lies in its access to abundant geothermal energy and natural underground storage sites, enabling the operation to run on renewable energy without the need for extensive pipelines to transport the captured CO2. However, the prospect of establishing DAC plants in the US presents challenges, including concerns over high costs and the environmental impact of energy consumption. Additionally, opposition to new pipeline construction from local communities could further complicate the expansion of DAC technology in the country.
Despite its innovative approach and impressive capabilities, Mammoth remains a work in progress, with only 12 modular containers currently installed. Climeworks plans to complete construction by adding an additional 60 containers this year, demonstrating the company’s commitment to advancing carbon capture technology and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.