🚨NEW STUDY🚨
“Given the high expectations placed on #DAC for future #decarbonisation, recent study presents an extensive review of DAC tech, exploring a number of techno-economic aspects, including an updated collection of the current & planned DAC projects around the world.”
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“A dedicated analysis focused on the production of synthetic methane, methanol, and diesel from #DAC and electrolytic hydrogen in the European Union (EU) is also performed, where the #carbonfootprint is analysed for different scenarios and energy sources.”
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The results show that “the maximum grid carbon intensity to obtain #NegativeEmissions with #DAC is estimated at 468 gCO 2 e/kWh, which is compliant with most of the EU countries’ current grid mix.”
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“Using only photovoltaics (PV) and wind, #NegativeEmissions of at least −0.81 tCO 2 e/tCO 2 captured can be achieved.”
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“The maximum grid intensities allowing a reduction of the synthetic fuels carbon footprint compared with their fossil-fuels counterparts range btw 96 & 151 gCO 2 e/kWh.”
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However, “to comply with the Renewable Energy Directive II (REDII) sustainability criteria to produce renewable fuels of non-biological origin, the maximum stays between 30.2 to 38.8 gCO 2 e/kWh.”
6/10
“Only when using PV and wind is the EU average able to comply with the REDII threshold for all scenarios and fuels, with fuel emissions ranging from 19.3 to 25.8 gCO 2 e/MJ.”
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These results highlight the “importance of using renewable energies for the production of synthetic fuels compliant with the EU regulations that can help reduce emissions from difficult-to-decarbonise sectors.”
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Read the paper entitled: "The Role of Direct Air Capture in EU’s Decarbonisation and Associated Carbon Intensity for Synthetic Fuels Production" here ⬇️ econpapers.repec.org/article/gamjen…
1️⃣ Solar geoengineering governance platform - A new SGRG initiative will develop transparency tools, disclosure systems and a research governance charter as SRM studies expand.
2️⃣ AMOC tipping warning & role of SRM - Nordic Council report highlights risks of an Atlantic circulation collapse and urges stronger monitoring and expanded research into climate intervention alongside emissions cuts.
🚨🐜Tiny fungus-farming ants have evolved the ability to capture carbon dioxide from air (#CDR) and convert it into a mineral layer on their bodies, forming a natural protective armour, a surprising biological mechanism reported by scientists in a new study.
Details🧵1/11
2/ The discovery comes from studying crowded ant nests where carbon dioxide can build up.
Instead of simply tolerating high CO₂, these ants appear to use the gas as a chemical resource inside their nest environment.
3/ Fungus-farming ants forage for vegetation to feed cultivated fungi that are grown inside their colonies. In turn, the fungi serve as the primary food source for the ants.
The high density of ants and fungi can result in high concentrations of CO2 inside the nests.
From Oxford lectures & London policy debates to GeoMIP in Tokyo, #SRM governance forums in Belgium & major gatherings across Vienna, US & beyond + key job & abstract deadlines. Here’s what’s coming up🧵1/22
🚨A new study finds that most enhanced weathering models overestimate CO₂ removal (#CDR) because they assume all added rock powder reacts, when in reality, soil structure & moisture mean much of the mineral surface never gets wet, cutting reaction rates by up to 97%.
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2/ Enhanced weathering (EW) works by spreading finely ground silicate rocks onto soils. When these minerals react with water and CO₂, they form bicarbonate, effectively removing carbon from the atmosphere.
But here’s the catch: no water contact, no reaction.
3/ Most large-scale CDR models assume that once rock powder is added to soil, its surface is “available” for reaction.
In reality, soils are complex porous systems. H2O does not evenly coat every particle.
So, this study asks: How much of the rock surface is actually wet
Four experts offer their thoughts on the potential security risks associated with sunlight reflection methods (#SRM), or solar geoengineering, highlighting the geopolitical complexity of the field.
Read here:🧵1/6
Burgess Langshaw Power argues climate change is now a security issue and SRM could be too, but warns against military control to avoid secrecy or an arms race.
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Josh Horton says SRM isn’t a direct threat but could indirectly heighten geopolitical tensions if deployment disputes emerge.
🚨A new study in Communications Sustainability explores whether enhanced rock weathering (#ERW) can scale into a meaningful, equitable climate solution.
The headline: ERW could remove ~1GtCO₂/yr by 2100, but who deploys it, when & how fast will shape its global impact.🧵1/10
2/ Enhanced rock weathering works by spreading crushed silicate rocks on croplands.
These minerals chemically react with CO₂, locking carbon into stable forms while improving soil quality. It’s a rare intervention promising both climate mitigation and agricultural co-benefits.
3/ But technical potential alone doesn’t determine climate outcomes. The central question the paper asks is:
How does ERW adoption diffuse across countries under real-world economic, social, and political conditions?