Swiss startup Climeworks has once again made strides in combating climate change with the unveiling of the world’s largest carbon capture plant in Iceland. Named Mammoth, this impressive facility dwarfs its predecessor, Orca, in its capacity to extract CO2 from the atmosphere. While Orca managed around 4,000 tons annually, Mammoth boasts 72 industrial fans capable of pulling a staggering 36,000 tons of CO2 each year. Located near a dormant volcano, Mammoth utilizes geothermal energy from the nearby Hellisheidi plant to power its operations, demonstrating innovative sustainability in its design and function.
Despite these advancements, Mammoth represents just a fraction of the CO2 removal needed to address climate change comprehensively. Climeworks founder Jan Wurzbacher emphasized the vast disparity between Mammoth’s capacity and the minimum annual removal threshold required for carbon neutrality by 2050. While the Biden administration’s recent commitments and initiatives signal progress in the carbon capture industry, achieving global-scale impact demands collective action and innovation across various approaches. From limestone block absorbers to forest restoration projects, a multifaceted strategy is essential in the urgent battle against climate change.
