The US Department of Energy appears poised to end financial support for two significant direct-air capture facilities designed to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One project is the South Texas Direct Air Capture Hub, overseen by Occidental Petroleum’s subsidiary, and the other is Project Cypress, a collaboration involving Battelle, Climeworks, and Heirloom. Both projects initially received commitments for over $1 billion in government grants.
The potential funding cuts represent a setback in the government’s climate tech portfolio aimed at combating climate change through technological innovation. These direct-air capture plants are central to carbon removal strategies necessary for meeting emission reduction targets. Without continued support, these projects may face delays or cancellation, slowing progress in commercializing large-scale carbon capture technologies.
The implications extend beyond technology development, as the reduction in federal funding could discourage private investment in similar initiatives. It also raises concerns about the US maintaining global leadership in climate innovation during a critical period for addressing environmental challenges. The decision reflects broader uncertainties around government commitment and funding priorities for climate technology.
👉 Pročitaj original: MIT Technology Review – AI
