Switched On Direct Air Capture’s Cost Curve Conundrum
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Aug 28, 2025 Brenna Casey, an associate on BNEF’s sustainable materials team, dives into the pressing world of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. She discusses the staggering costs of carbon removal, currently around $900 per metric ton, posing a major hurdle for broader adoption. The conversation explores the potential for DAC amidst skepticism about net-zero goals and highlights the different technology pathways aiming to lower costs. Brenna also details the advancements in solid sorbent processes and the economic implications of emerging solutions.
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DAC Fills The Last-Mile Emissions Gap
- DAC is needed to remove residual emissions other technologies can't eliminate.
- Industries with process emissions (e.g., cement, petrochemicals) will require DAC or CCS to address remaining CO2.
Build Demand Then Lock In Compliance Markets
- Grow demand through voluntary buyers until compliance markets materialize.
- Advocate for CDR inclusion in cap-and-trade to create steady commercial demand.
DAC Is A High-Integrity Carbon Removal
- Not all carbon removal options are equal in permanence and measurability.
- DAC is a high‑integrity removal that reduces reputational and regulatory risks for buyers.