DACLab Says It Can Remove CO2 Using Less Electricity Than Many Competitors
Countries worldwide have pledged to slash carbon emissions, yet global pollution hit a record high last year. With progress stalling, the race to remove carbon directly from the atmosphere is intensifying. DACLab says it can remove CO2 using less electricity than many competitors, making the technology more efficient and potentially more affordable.
Image Credits:DACLab
Direct air capture (DAC) is notoriously energy-hungry. On average, removing one metric ton of CO2 requires around 2,000 kWh of electricity once scaled. That’s a steep cost, both financially and environmentally. But DACLab claims it’s already breaking that barrier.
DACLab’s Energy-Efficient Approach
“We have data that I can share with you at 1,500 kilowatt hours per metric ton,” said Aditya Bhandari, co-founder and CEO of DACLab, in an interview with TechCrunch. That’s roughly 25% less energy than many projections for competing systems, positioning DACLab as a serious contender in the carbon removal space.
The startup, which had been operating in stealth mode for four years, has now emerged with $3 million in seed funding. The round was led by early Discord investor Peter Relan and joined by notable backers like Silver Lake co-founder Dave Roux and WovenEarth Ventures founder Jane Woodward.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Carbon Capture
In most DAC systems, air is pushed through a solid material that traps CO2. Once saturated, the CO2 must be released for storage, often through heating processes that require 80°C to 120°C. That step is where energy use skyrockets, creating high operational costs.
By reducing electricity requirements, DACLab says it can remove CO2 using less electricity than many competitors, cutting expenses while also lowering the overall carbon footprint of the process. This dual advantage could accelerate adoption of DAC at scale.
A Growing Market for Carbon Removal
With climate goals slipping out of reach, carbon capture is no longer optional—it’s essential. Startups like DACLab are racing to build scalable solutions that balance efficiency with affordability. As governments and corporations seek ways to offset emissions, lower-energy carbon removal could be the breakthrough needed to make DAC mainstream.
Investors are betting big on technologies like DACLab’s, signaling a shift toward practical, implementable solutions rather than distant promises.
What Comes Next for DACLab
DACLab’s next challenge will be proving that its system works reliably at scale. If it succeeds, it could attract more funding, partnerships, and government contracts in the coming years. Given the urgency of climate action, solutions that demand less electricity while capturing more CO2 could dominate the industry.
For now, one thing is clear: DACLab says it can remove CO2 using less electricity than many competitors, and that promise alone has the climate tech world paying attention.
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