Let’s start with a review of what is meant by carbon capture and storage (CCS).

According to the International Energy Agency, CO₂ that is extracted directly from the atmosphere can be “permanently stored in deep geological formations, thereby achieving carbon dioxide removal.” The stored CO₂ can be used in food processing (think carbonated water or dry ice), as part of the production of synthetic fuels, as well as in the textile industry.

“There are currently 18 direct air capture plants operating worldwide, capturing almost 0.01 metric tons of CO₂/year, and a 1 metric ton CO₂/year capture plant is in advanced development in the United States,” according to the IEA. “In the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, direct air capture is scaled up to capture almost 60 metric tons of CO₂/year by 2030. This level of deployment is within reach but will require several more large-scale demonstration plants to refine the technology and reduce capture costs.”