Iceland's CO2-Capturing Machine Pulls 36,000 Tons from the Air Annually

The Mammoth Machine: A New Frontier in Carbon Capture

In the fight against climate change, innovative solutions are constantly being explored to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. One such solution is the "Mammoth" machine, a groundbreaking technology located in Iceland that is making headlines for its ability to extract CO2 directly from the air. This 360ft contraption, situated at Hellisheidi, about 15 miles from Reykjavik, uses advanced engineering to capture and store carbon, offering a glimpse into the future of climate action.

How Does It Work?

Developed by Zurich-based firm Climeworks, the "direct air capture" (DAC) site employs massive steel fans to draw in CO2, which is then dissolved in water and pumped deep underground. According to scientists at Climeworks, this multi-million-dollar system can remove up to 36,000 tons of carbon per year—equivalent to taking 8,000 cars off the road. The process involves stacks of metal 'air scrubbers' that use fans to draw in ambient air, with energy sourced from a nearby geothermal power plant. The CO2 is separated using solid filter material and transported via high-pressure blasts of water to a location deep underground, where it reacts with basalt rock and turns into a solid mineral called carbonate within a few years.

Expanding the Technology

Inspired by the success of Mammoth, the UK government has begun negotiations with Climeworks to set up an equivalent machine called Silver Birch. This device, planned for construction in Stanlow near Liverpool, would suck carbon from the surrounding air and store it under the Irish Sea. The plans are part of the HyNet North West project, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and helping the UK meet its net zero target. However, the exact cost of building a plant like Mammoth remains unclear, though Climeworks aims to reduce the cost to $400-600 per ton by 2030 and $200-350 per ton by 2040.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its potential, the technology faces significant challenges and criticisms. Environmental organizations like Greenpeace have labeled carbon capture as a "scam" that relies on public funding. Critics argue that while these systems may help reduce emissions, they do not address the root cause of global warming—the release of CO2 from burning fossil fuels. Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, warns that such technologies could encourage continued reliance on fossil fuels rather than transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Stuart Haszeldine, a professor of carbon capture and storage at the University of Edinburgh, calls CCS projects "a deal with the devil," emphasizing that they should not be used as an excuse to permit new oil and gas extraction. Additionally, the process itself is energy-intensive, potentially driving up energy prices. Safety concerns also remain, as some experts fear that stored CO2 could leak and contaminate nearby water supplies or cause tremors due to pressure build-up underground.

The Future of Direct Air Capture

Direct air capture (DAC) technology works by drawing ambient air into contact with an aqueous solution that traps carbon dioxide. Through heating and chemical reactions, the CO2 is re-extracted and can be used for various purposes, including the production of fuels compatible with existing infrastructure. At its maximum capacity, DAC could reduce global emissions by the equivalent of 7,800 petrol-powered cars. However, this figure is only a fraction of the world's annual CO2 emissions, highlighting the need for larger-scale implementation.

Climeworks believes that the technology can be replicated globally and scaled up to capture more CO2. As the world continues to seek solutions to combat climate change, the role of direct air capture remains a topic of intense debate and ongoing research. While the Mammoth machine represents a significant step forward, its long-term impact and scalability will determine its place in the broader strategy for a sustainable future.