DOE to award $24M for direct air capture research

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is investing $24 million for research into technology that captures carbon emissions directly from the air.

This technology, known as direct air capture, replicates how plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide buildup in the atmosphere is a major contributor to climate change and may pose significant health risks. This new technology can advance the fight against climate change and achieve President Joe Biden’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

“If we can figure out how to remove polluting emissions directly from the air, it would be a game-changer in America’s fight against climate change,” Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “Let’s make America the leader in this new field, create jobs, and make our carbon-free future a reality.”

Currently, direct air capture methods are not efficient enough to be cost-effective and economically viable. This funding will support the innovations needed to make this a more effective approach to directly removing CO2 from ambient air.

“Research teams across the country, including my home state of Arizona, are leading the way on developing carbon capture technology, and their groundbreaking progress has been bolstered by Department of Energy grants,” Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) said. “This additional investment will spur new innovation and jobs in communities throughout the country. This funding will support projects with transformative potential to expand an entire green industry focused on decreasing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and ultimately making our air cleaner.”

National laboratories, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations will all be eligible to apply for this funding. The awards will be selected based on peer review. The Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) within the Department’s Office of Science, which is funding the effort, expects to have awards for single investigators and larger teams.

“Direct air capture technologies are proving to be an innovative, pro-growth solution to addressing present and future environmental challenges in Arizona and around the country,” Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) said. “By increasing basic research opportunities and funding for these technologies, we can have a cleaner environment and stronger economy in the future. I look forward to continuing to advocate for the deployment of this technology in Congress and am pleased to hear about this funding opportunity.”