Iceland has launched the world’s largest carbon-capturing plant, “Mammoth,” a groundbreaking step in combating climate change. Operated by Swiss company Climeworks, Mammoth is ten times larger than its predecessor, Orca, and uses direct air capture (DAC) technology to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The captured carbon is then injected underground in partnership with Carbfix, where it transforms into stone for permanent storage.
Powered by Iceland’s renewable geothermal energy, Mammoth is designed to capture 36,000 tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to taking 7,800 gas-powered cars off the road. Climeworks plans to scale this technology, targeting costs of $100 per ton of carbon removal by 2050.
While DAC offers hope for addressing rising greenhouse gas emissions, critics argue the technology is energy-intensive and expensive, with current costs nearing $1,000 per ton. Supporters believe, however, that innovation and scaling up plants like Mammoth could make DAC a viable tool for achieving global climate goals.
Climeworks envisions a future where DAC removes one billion tons of CO₂ annually by 2050, with plans to expand operations to Kenya and the United States. Despite challenges, Mammoth marks a significant leap in climate technology and a step toward a more sustainable future.