Direct Air Capture for on-site CO2 utilization in greenhouses

Project Information

C-DAC

Grant agreement ID: 101145478

DOI

10.3030/101145478

Project closed

EC signature date 9 February 2024

Start date 1 March 2024

End date 28 February 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 211 812,50

EU contribution

€ 1 548 268,75

Coordinated by

CARBOMINER LIMITED
Cyprus

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - C-DAC (Direct Air Capture for on-site CO2 utilization in greenhouses)

Reporting period: 2024-03-01 to 2025-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Climate change is driven by excessive CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere, yet CO2 is also a valuable industrial resource. Over 230 million tons of fossil-based CO2 are consumed annually in industries like agriculture, food preservation, and fertilizers. However, the cost of liquefied CO2 has doubled in recent years, exposing vulnerabilities in traditional supply chains.
Why rely on fossil-based CO2 when we can extract it from the air? The challenge lies in its low atmospheric concentration—just 0.04%—making capture difficult and costly. CARBOMINER has developed C-DAC, an innovative Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology that selectively binds CO2 from ambient air in a fully electric, cost-effective process. Unlike conventional DAC methods, our breakthrough solution combines dry and wet absorbent methods for CO2 capture with a patented electrochemical pH-swing technology for CO2 regeneration. This enables sustainable, scalable, and affordable CO2 supply.
C-DAC has already been demonstrated on-site at client facilities, providing a fossil-free alternative to conventional CO2 sources. By decentralizing supply and reducing dependency on volatile fossil-based CO2, our technology supports climate change mitigation while enhancing food security and industrial resilience.
Our vision is to transform CO2 from an environmental liability into a sustainable feedstock, fostering a circular CO2 economy. By bridging climate action with industrial demand, CARBOMINER’s solution contributes to global decarbonization efforts, strengthens energy security, and establishes a commercially viable model for sustainable CO2 utilization.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the reporting period (M1–M12), significant progress was made in upscaling and optimizing our Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to achieve a 50 tCO2/year system.
WP3 – Upscale Design for 50 tCO2/y System (M1–M10)
The primary objectives were optimizing the capturing process and materials, improving liquid conductivity in the regeneration unit, enhancing membrane selectivity, and developing a remote monitoring system.
Key Achievements:
• Capturing Unit Optimization: Developed assembly process using pure PAN fiber, analyzed adsorption efficiency of working solutions, and implemented dust removal and humidity control.
• Regeneration Unit Conductivity: Identified optimal working solution concentration and developed in-house electrochemistry testing unit for pH-swing, enabling continuous circular operation.
• Membrane Selectivity: Selected best-performing electrodes, membranes, and separators, improving electrolyzer energy consumption (7.8 MWh/t vs 19 MWh/t in 2023).
• Equipment Optimization: Conducted CFD simulations with Mann and Hummel for optimal fan placement and airflow.
• IoT Monitoring: Implemented remote system with CO2 sensors, cloud infrastructure (Google Cloud), and real-time analytics.
• Full-Scale Design: Completed electrical layouts and engineering designs for 50 tCO2/year system.
WP4 – System Construction and Internal Testing (M7–M19)
This work package is ongoing, focusing on construction and operational validation.
Progress:
• Absorbent Production: Implemented safety protocols, tested new stainless steel reactor for adsorbent preparation, designed full-scale synthesis reactor.
• Supply Chain: Secured offers from 20 ft container and electrolyzer manufacturers.
• Design Freeze: Developing Bill of Materials, finalizing system specifications.
These advancements create a solid foundation for full-scale implementation, with efforts focusing on remaining tasks.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Scaling our Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology from a 1 tCO2/year prototype to a 50 tCO2/year system is a crucial milestone. This transition from TRL5 to TRL8 positions us for commercial deployment in the EU. Our focus is on refining the technology, securing certifications, and establishing a small-series production line for initial market entry.
Key Results and Impact:
• Efficiency Gains: Optimization of capturing and regeneration units reduced electrolyzer energy consumption from 19 MWh/tCO2 in 2023 to 7.8 MWh/tCO2, significantly improving commercial viability with a clear path to 4.0 MWh/tCO2.
• Market Readiness: With CO2 prices being really volatile in recent years, industries like greenhouses and food production seek more stable and sustainable alternatives. Our on-site CO2 generation offers an environmentally friendly solution.
• Commercialization Pathway: Advancing from TRL5 to TRL8 requires validation, industrial partnerships, and supply chain development. Pilot installations with early adopters will pave the way for broader market entry.
Key Needs for Further Success:
1. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting EU environmental and safety standards is essential, and we are preparing for certification to validate reliability and sustainability.
2. Manufacturing & Market Entry: Establishing a small-series production line ensures quality control and smooth deployment for initial customers.
3. Demonstration Projects: Pilot installations in real-world environments will provide critical performance data and drive adoption.
4. Investment & Funding: Additional financing through grants, private investment, and partnerships is vital for CARBOMINER tech success.
5. IP Protection: Strengthening our IPP strategy and securing patents will protect our innovations and ensure competitive positioning.
By resolving these needs, CARBOMINER aims to make CO2 capture a cost-effective, sustainable resource, accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy while addressing market demand.

Novel electrochemical testbed equipped with sensors and the dashboard

A full-size capturing block (front view)

Three different electrochemical testbeds for parallel research

The dashboard with results of testing

C-DAC technology representation in operational environment

A full-size capturing block (back view)