Climeworks, a Swiss cleantech company, has partnered with Reykjavik Energy to combine direct air capture (DAC) technology with safe and permanent geological storage for the first time ever. The result is the first negative emissions power plant in the world.
The EU-backed collaborative research project centers around one of the world’s largest geothermal power plants in Hellisheidi, Iceland. A Climeworks DAC module was installed on-site to capture CO2 from ambient air. The Climeworks technology draws in ambient air and captures the CO2 with a patented filter. Then, the filter is heated with low-grade heat from the geothermal plant to release the pure CO2.
Courtesy Climeworks.
The captured CO2 is then bound to water and sent more than 700 meters underground. Once it reaches its underground location, the CO2 reacts with the basaltic bedrock and forms solid minerals to create a permanent storage solution.
Basalt core containing carbonates. Photo: Sandra O Snaebjornsdottir.
The project will test how the highly scalable technology works with the specific weather conditions at the location in southwest Iceland.
Photo: Climeworks / Zev Starr-Tambor.
Related Stories
Data Centers | Aug 16, 2017
The world’s largest data center is being built 140 miles north of the Arctic Circle
The 600,000-sm facility will be on a secure property surrounded by a moat.
Green | Aug 11, 2017
A school’s sports hall is created entirely from bamboo
The building boasts a zero-carbon footprint and is naturally ventilated.
K-12 Schools | Aug 9, 2017
A school in Denmark is clad in 12,000 solar panels
C.F. Møller designed the building to create a connection between the school premises and the surrounding public urban space.
Sustainability | Aug 7, 2017
Existing storage center becomes symbol of renewable energy for a southwestern German town
The tower’s design comes from the Laboratory for Visionary Architecture’s (LAVA) winning competition entry for an energy park and storage tower.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2017
ASID headquarters is first space in the world to earn both LEED and WELL Platinum Certification
Washington, D.C. office is showcase for top levels of the two standards.
Mixed-Use | Aug 3, 2017
A sustainable mixed-use development springs from a Dutch city center like a green-fringed crystal formation
MVRDV and SDK Vastgoed won a competition to redevelop the inner city area around Deken van Someren Street in Eindhoven.
Sustainability | Jul 31, 2017
Passive House practitioners aim to spread standard beyond single-family homes
Growth has been slow, but enticing larger firms and getting help from local governments could provide a boost.
Data Centers | Jul 21, 2017
Operational wellness was an objective for a new 911 call center near San Antonio
The Operations Center consolidates activities that previously were being handled at 25 locations.
Green | Jul 18, 2017
Garden of the Four Seasons lets you experience all four seasons at once
Carlo Ratti Associati designed the garden with an innovative net-zero energy climate control system.
Sustainability | Jul 10, 2017
British Columbia receives its first WELL certified workplace courtesy of Perkins + Will
Over 100 wellness features are incorporated into CBRE’s Vancouver office.