A recent study led by Hanwoong Kim from the Joint Global Change Research Institute at the University of Maryland and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has provided critical insights into how China can leverage direct air capture and storage (DACCS) technology to meet its ambitious climate neutrality goal by 2060. Published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, this research highlights the significant potential of DACCS in enhancing China’s capacity for negative emissions, particularly in a context where bioenergy supply is limited.
The study employs a detailed energy-economy-climate model to assess the deployment of DACCS across 31 provinces in China. It reveals that while DACCS could play a pivotal role in offsetting carbon dioxide emissions, achieving this will require substantial investments and infrastructure development. Specifically, the research indicates that to support multiple gigatons of CO2 removal per year through DACCS, China may need to install over 600 gigawatts of additional wind and solar power capacity. This could represent up to 30% of the electricity demand in northern provinces.
Investment in DACCS is projected to range from $330 billion to $530 billion by 2060. However, the potential returns on these investments are significant, with the study estimating that avoided mitigation costs could reach up to $6 trillion over the same period. This presents a compelling business case for energy companies and investors looking to engage in the burgeoning field of carbon management and climate technologies.
Kim emphasizes the importance of diversifying negative emissions strategies beyond biomass, stating, “Our results highlight the value of expanding beyond the current reliance on biomass for negative emissions in China.” This shift could open up new commercial opportunities for companies involved in renewable energy, carbon capture technologies, and those offering innovative solutions to reduce residual CO2 emissions.
As China strives to balance its economic growth with environmental sustainability, the findings of this research underscore the critical role that DACCS can play in its climate strategy. Energy sector stakeholders should take note of these developments, as they may shape future investments and policy directions in the context of achieving net-zero emissions.
For further information about the research team, visit Joint Global Change Research Institute, University of Maryland and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
