With reference to ‘Direct Air Capture’ (DAC), which of the following statements is/are correct?

I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequestration.

II. It can be a valuable approach for plastic production and in food processing.

III. In aviation, it can be a source of carbon for combining with hydrogen to create synthetic low-carbon fuel.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Answer: (c) I, II and III

Direct air capture (DAC) is a method that can be used for carbon sequestration, also known as direct air carbon capture and sequestration (DACCS). DACCS involves extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere using chemical or physical processes, followed by the long-term storage of that captured CO2, effectively removing it from the atmosphere.
Direct air capture (DAC) can be a valuable approach for certain aspects of plastic production and food processing by utilizing captured CO2. DAC extracts CO2 from the atmosphere, which can then be used as a feedstock for producing some types of plastics and in food production processes.
Direct air capture (DAC) technology can be used in aviation to create synthetic low-carbon fuels. DAC extracts carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This captured CO2 can then be combined with hydrogen, which can be produced through renewable energy sources, to create synthetic fuels like e-fuels

Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the atmosphere using liquid solvents or solid sorbents, providing a crucial tool for mitigating climate change.
- Captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) is permanently stored underground or used in products, with over 130 facilities planned to reach net-zero goals.
Process: Fans draw in ambient air, passing it over chemical agents that selectively bind with CO₂. Heat is then applied to release the CO₂ and regenerate the chemical.
Techniques: Two main approaches exist: liquid solvent-based systems (using high heat) and solid sorbent-based systems (using lower heat and vacuum).
Applications: Captured carbon can be sequestered in geological formations (direct air carbon capture and storage – DACCS) or utilized in synthetic fuels, materials, or carbonated beverages.
Advantages: Unlike point-source capture, DAC can be located anywhere, requires minimal land compared to nature-based solutions, and addresses “legacy” emissions.
Challenges: The process is energy-intensive and currently costly, with estimates ranging from $600–$1,000 per tonne, though costs are expected to decrease by the 2030s.