Capture6 is pleased to announce the initiation of a direct air capture (DAC) pilot in New Zealand. Ara Ake, New Zealand’s Future Energy Centre, is supporting Capture6’s journey to develop the pilot, which could be catalytic to advance a series of critical projects for Aotearoa New Zealand’s decarbonization efforts and climate commitments, including:
- DAC-based CO2 utilization projects for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and food and beverage industries
- Permanent CO2 removal (CDR) projects
- Marine CDR research using carbonate outputs of DAC process
- Other industrial decarbonization synergies
Capture6’s DAC technology offers more than just carbon removal from the air. By leveraging its reliability and versatility, Capture6 aims to pave the way for a sustainable future while fostering economic growth and resilience. Capture6’s facilities can help industries decarbonize by capturing point-source CO2 and producing green hydrogen, lithium, and other industrial inputs along with pure water. This integration with industrial processes transforms carbon removal from a costly stand-alone proposition into a viable solution for widespread decarbonization, supporting the circular economy and building resilience for communities by addressing water scarcity, expanding energy access, and creating local jobs.
One of the merits of emerging technologies like DAC is that they can be integrated with existing industries to maximize local benefits while also helping the global climate. Integrating DAC into its decarbonization initiatives New Zealand can unlock a wide range of economic synergies, aligning with its 2050 net zero emissions target and reducing reliance on imports. This strategic approach offers a pathway for domestic production of carbon removal, contributing to the nation’s self-sufficiency in addressing climate challenges.
“We are excited to support global innovators looking to develop and pilot such solutions here in New Zealand,” says Ara Ake Chief Executive, Dr. Cristiano Marantes. “Carbon removal technologies shouldn’t be seen as an alternative to reducing emissions but they certainly have the potential to form part of a suite in our toolbox to achieve our decarbonization goals.”
By aligning efforts with Ara Ake, Capture6 demonstrates a shared commitment to the tangible implementation of solutions vital to meeting the nation’s environmental objectives. This collaboration underscores the dedication of both entities to making meaningful contributions to accelerate New Zealand’s path towards negative emissions.
The support from Ara Ake is intended to accelerate the demonstration and commercialization of Capture6’s a direct air capture pilot utilizing their proprietary technology, to work alongside other technologies and efforts to reduce emissions.