In a groundbreaking development, Heirloom Carbon Technologies, based in Tracy, California, unveiled the inaugural commercial direct air capture (DAC) facility in the United States in November 2023. This cutting-edge facility has the capacity to capture an impressive 1,000 tons of CO2 annually. The innovative process begins with the utilization of renewable energy to extract CO2 from limestone in a kiln, resulting in the production of calcium oxide. Subsequently, the CaO undergoes hydration to create calcium hydroxide powder, which is then distributed onto vertically stacked trays. Through optimized exposure to air, this powder effectively draws CO2 from the atmosphere, leading to the reformation of limestone (CaCO3). The material is cyclically returned to the kiln, where CO2 is extracted, initiating the process anew. Leveraging easily obtainable materials like limestone, Heirloom asserts that its technology stands as one of the most cost-effective avenues for permanent CO2 removal.

The captured CO2 serves multiple purposes, including storage underground or integration into concrete, facilitated through a strategic partnership with CarbonCure Technologies, headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The DAC-to-concrete CO2 storage pathway was successfully demonstrated earlier in the year, showcasing the application of this technology to sequester CO2 captured by the Tracy facility. This pioneering approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to the advancement of sustainable practices within the concrete industry.

In a significant stride towards further expansion, Heirloom and its collaborators secured a prominent position in the Department of Energy Regional DAC Hub program. This selection, in August, positions them for potential federal funding of up to $600 million to establish a DAC facility in Louisiana. The recognition and financial support from the Department of Energy underscore the significance of Heirloom's technology in the realm of carbon capture and removal.

Furthermore, in September, Heirloom joined forces with tech giant Microsoft to announce a noteworthy CO2-removal agreement. Under this agreement, Microsoft committed to purchasing up to 315,000 metric tons of CO2 removal from Heirloom over a decade. This collaboration signifies a substantial commitment to sustainability, with Microsoft actively supporting Heirloom's efforts to contribute to carbon reduction on a significant scale.

The synergy between Heirloom Carbon Technologies and its strategic partners showcases the potential for innovative solutions to address the pressing issue of CO2 emissions. As the first U.S. commercial DAC facility, Heirloom's technology not only marks a significant milestone but also positions the company at the forefront of the global push for sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The tangible applications, from concrete integration to strategic partnerships and federal recognition, emphasize the multifaceted impact of Heirloom's pioneering efforts in the field of carbon capture and removal.