This work evaluated the levelized cost of capture across six Direct Air Capture categories, including liquid solvents (LDAC), solid sorbents (SDAC), and electrochemical systems. ADI analyzed the land and clean electricity requirements for scaling to Gtpa milestones, highlighting the infrastructure bottlenecks and energy-intensity trade-offs of leading configurations.
The client
Integrated energy company
The situation
Rapidly evolving technology landscape and absurd cost claims made by startups creating significant uncertainty for strategic investment and R&D.
ADI’s contributions
Cost curve benchmarking
ADI modeled capex and opex reductions through 2030.
Infrastructure footprint analysis
The study calculated that scaling to 1 Gtpa would require renewable power and land area far exceeding current U.S. clean electricity production.
Competitive risk profiling
ADI mapped dozens of technology developers by technical positioning and commercial maturity to identify potential industry disruptors.
Revenue stream stacking
Analysis of tax credits, voluntary carbon markets, and CO2 feedstock values demonstrated that economical DAC requires multiple revenue sources.
Key outcomes
- Established a factual cost benchmark for LDAC and SDAC technologies to guide internal R&D milestones and future venture capital investments.
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