The US Department of Energy is considering ending financial support for two key direct-air capture plants, which had been planned to receive substantial government grants exceeding $1 billion. The South Texas Direct Air Capture Hub, developed by Occidental Petroleum’s 1PointFive subsidiary, and Project Cypress, a collaboration involving Battelle, Climeworks, and Heirloom in Louisiana, are the projects affected. These carbon-sucking factories aim to capture CO2 directly from the atmosphere to mitigate climate change effects.
Funding terminations could significantly slow down the deployment and scaling of vital carbon removal technologies that are seen as necessary to meet emissions targets. Such cuts may signal shifting federal priorities and raise questions about sustained government commitment to carbon capture innovation and climate goals. The uncertainty impacts industry stakeholders and investors betting on these technologies for climate mitigation and could hinder the US’s ability to reach net-zero targets.
The implications extend beyond industry to environmental policy, as direct-air capture is viewed as a critical component in comprehensive climate strategies. Without continued funding, the risk of technological stagnation and delays in deployment increases, potentially constraining options to reduce atmospheric carbon levels in a timely manner.
👉 Pročitaj original: MIT Technology Review
